Services: Rheumatology and Hand Therapy

The hand therapy service provides assessment and treatment for people with hand injuries or medical conditions which affect hand function for all age groups. The service is provided in both the Western Isles Hospital and Uist and Barra Hospital on an outpatient or inpatient basis. Patients requiring the service can self refer or can be referred by a health or social care professional. We also provide follow-on intervention where initial treatment was started at a mainland centre. Services available for hand therapy patients include splinting and hand function rehabilitation (including sensory) and aim to allow the patient to return to their self care, productivity (including paid and unpaid work) and leisure activities.

The rheumatology service provides assessment and treatment for people with arthritis across all age groups. This can be provided either in hospital or in the community depending on the diagnosis and the intervention needed. Patients requiring the service can self refer or can be referred by a health or social care professional. Services provided include education to allow patients to self manage their condition, hand therapy including splinting, joint protection, fatigue management, advice or provision of equipment and adaptations. It aims to maximise the patient's functional ability in self care, productivity and leisure activities.

To refer yourself or another person to the above services, please contact the occupational therapy service at either the Western Isles Hospital, Uist and Barra Hospital or Comhairle nan Eilean Siar offices at Balivanich in Benbecula.