Virtual Fracture Clinic

The Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) is a service designed to speed up access to orthopaedic trauma care.

Traditionally, patients who visited the Trust with orthopaedic injuries would require multiple hospital visits for face-to-face assessments and treatment.

Now, appropriate orthopaedic trauma patients will be referred to the VFC where the team will review cases within 3 days following attendance at the emergency department, with no need for the patient to attend the hospital for an assessment.

Clinicians will look at patient x-rays and medical notes, and an orthopaedic physiotherapist or specialist nurse will telephone to discuss treatment and management. Following the phone call, patients may be discharged by phone or, if further specialist help is required, a referral will be made to the most appropriate clinic.

If any patients are not available on the telephone, a letter will be sent detailing their treatment plan. This letter will also be sent to their GP.

This type of service is well-established and a safe way to manage patients with more minor fractures. The Virtual Fracture Clinic model has been used by other Trusts for many years.

Patients with fractures who are likely to require surgical treatment will still follow the inpatient pathway.

For any queries, please contact: 01733 673419