Introduction
You have been given this information leaflet because you have been referred to the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC). You do not need to attend the Fracture Clinic at present. You will receive a telephone call from the VFC nurse to discuss your condition and plans for treatment, usually within three days of attending the Emergency Department.
Before you leave – please ensure that Emergency Department reception has your up-to-date contact details, including your email address and telephone number so that the VFC team can contact you.
What is the Virtual Fracture Clinic?
Patients with some types of injuries do not always need to attend a face-to-face fracture clinic and can be managed at home with advice and guidance from the Emergency Department or over the telephone from the Fracture clinic.
Why am I not being seen in a clinic?
Many of the injuries that people sustain can be managed without further intervention or monitoring. This new approach saves unnecessary appointments for the patients and allows better, more efficient use of the hospital resources for patients who do need attend. Instead, your notes and X-ray pictures will be reviewed by the Fracture Clinic team who will plan any further treatment.
Some people may still have to attend a face-to-face clinic as not all fractures or injuries are suitable for VFC. If an appointment is needed it will be booked later once the VFC review is completed.
Is it safe?
The VFC is in place across many hospitals in the UK and has been proven to be safe and effective. It is popular with patients as it cuts down the amount of travelling and time associated with a normal hospital appointment. It also speeds up decision making and can lead to more timely treatment for the patients as the VFC review is normally completed within several days of your attendance at the Emergency Department.
How does it work?
Instead of the usual face-to-face appointment, your patient notes and X-rays are reviewed by an experienced member of the Trauma and Orthopaedic team (usually a consultant) and then a decision is made regarding the best treatment for your injury.
This may mean one of several outcomes from the clinic:
1. Discharge back to your GP with treatment advice
2. Discharge to physiotherapy
3. A face-to-face clinic appointment at the Fracture Clinic
If the VFC team feel that you require surgery for your injury they may arrange for your admission to hospital later. Often you will be seen face-to-face in the Fracture Clinic prior to this, to discuss your treatment.
Once the team have reviewed your notes and images, the VFC nurse will call you to let you know the outcome and discuss any concerns that you may have. They will also let you know about future plans such as further appointments for investigation or treatments. You will receive a letter outlining the outcome from the VFC. For common injuries a patient information leaflet will be sent with the letter. If you have an email address the VFC clinic nurse can send copies of the leaflet to you directly.
Please allow up to three working days after attending the Emergency Department for your phone call from the VFC. If you have not received a phone call from the VFC after this time please contact us using the details on the next page.
What happens if I have any problems after the VFC?
Following the VFC, most patients will be given an option called Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) that allows you to have access to the Fracture Clinic for an extended period should you have any concerns. If you have been given a PIFU, you can contact the clinic during normal opening hours to request a review or a telephone call from a clinician.
If you have concerns about your injury after the VFC, for example if you have increased pain or problems with your cast or splint, you can also use the numbers below to contact the Fracture Clinic for advice.
If there is something more urgent outside of the normal fracture clinic opening times, then you should contact the Emergency Department. In an emergency always call 999.
Contact
If you have any queries or concerns then please contact the hospital for further advice.
Between the hours of 9:00am and 4:30pm contact the fracture clinic on:
Scunthorpe: 03033 302164
Grimsby: 03033 306127
Goole: 03033 304036
Out of hours – then please contact the Emergency Department via switchboard:
Scunthorpe/Goole: 01724 282282
Grimsby: 01472 874111
Any Comments, Compliments, Concerns or Complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact [email protected]
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at [email protected]
NHS Website
NHS website is a health information service. The aim is to support the public to become active consumers of healthcare rather than passive recipients, and to help individuals, their family or carers to make more informed choices: https://www.nhs.uk/