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NCPO Clinical Services
Referrals Contact Details OrthoticServices Prosthetic Services

World Class Care 

The National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics is committed to providing individuals with high quality, expert care. The NCPO aims to maximise the functional capability for each client by tailoring treatment towards the individual's goals. It is recognised that liaison with referring health professionals is important and NCPO clinicians welcome discussion in the establishment of client needs.

A Client may require services related to:

  • Walking ability
  • Pain reduction
  • Ease of movement
  • Tasks of daily life
  • Sports performance
  • Other types of functional improvement

Through assessment, scientific analysis and applied knowledge, NCPO staff plan prosthetic or orthotic management that is effective and appropriate for each client. Up-to-date knowledge of components, materials and technology means each client visiting the centre receives the most appropriate system for his or her individual needs.

The NCPO operates independently of all supply and manufacturing companies and can remain objective in prescribing devices for clients.

Image: Clinic brochure

 Range of Services

The NCPO offers clients a full range of prosthetic and orthotic services. Many types of devices are provided ranging from simple prefabricated items to complex, custom-made appliances. An evaluation of the device and instruction in its use is included in each treatment plan. Both private and third party compensable patients are catered for.

Rates for NCPO services are competitive with other Melbourne P & O providers.

We can assist clients with funding applications and can liase with all of the major funding bodies, such as DVA, TAC, PADP, etc.

Pt. with crutch

 Orthotic Services

Management of disorders affecting the feet, lower and upper limbs and spine is provided through the provision of orthoses (braces and supports).

Types of orthoses available include:

    Static orthoses, designed to immobilise a joint or body part.

    Corrective orthoses, applied to alter the alignment of a deformity.

    Dynamic orthoses that allow or assist movement.

The NCPO staff have considerable experience in assessment of footwear and are available to advise clients on the selection of appropriate footwear. Services might include prescription of special footwear, footwear modifications or foot orthoses.

Clients can be referred to the NCPO for:

  • Foot problems
  • Footwear assessment
  • Disability related to neurological disorders
  • Sports injury
  • Arthritic degeneration
  • Back pain
  • Other disorders

Image: Sports orthoses

 Prosthetic Services

A wide range of services are offered to people requiring prostheses (artificial limbs) following limb loss through trauma, illness or disease. Each prosthesis is custom made to ensure maximum functional potential. After careful assessment, a prosthesis is designed to suit the clients functional, financial and individual needs.

Types of prostheses available include:

  • Upper limb prostheses
  • Lower limb prostheses
  • Prostheses for specific vocational purposes
  • Sports prostheses

 Image: Prosthetic client

 Staff

Patients referred to the NCPO clinic will be treated by qualified Prosthetist/Orthotists who have extensive clinical experience. Patients may also be given the opportunity of returning as a volunteer for the undergraduate teaching program.

Appointments

Consultations are by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling 9479 3331 between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Referrals

We accept referrals from medical providers, medical practitioners and other allied health providers.

Download a referral form here (Adobe PDF Format)

 Image: Client with clinician

For Further Information contact:  

Anthony Francis
Angela Scardamaglia
National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics
School of Human Biosciences
La Trobe University
VIC 3086
Phone: (03) 9479 3331

Fax: (03) 9479 5036
Email: A.francis@latrobe.edu.au
A.Scardamaglia@latrobe.edu.au

The clinic is located at the Northern end of Car Park 9 at the Bundoora Campus of La Trobe University. Enter via the North Entry, off Kingsbury Drive.
Business hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Download a Clinic Location Map (Adobe PDF Format)

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Last modified March 14, 2005
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