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!Please Note: Visit us at the Stroke Forum (Stand B40) - 4th - 6th December in Birmingham

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Odstock Medical

FAQ

Home > Patients > FAQ

New to FES

How does FES work? +

Please click here to find out more about how FES works.

What conditions does it help? +
  • Stroke
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Spinal cord injury above T12
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
  • Head injury
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Or any other neurological condition or injury that affects the brain or spinal cord above T12
How do I get the FES process started? +

Please fill in the form below and one of the OML team will be in contact with you.

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How long does it take to receive an appointment? +

Provided that funding is agreed, you can be seen in some cases within a week.

We do not have a long waiting list and will try our best to organise an assessment as quickly as possible.

Can I self-fund if no funding exists in my area? +

Paying for your own treatment is possible.

Please read about treatment pathways click here or contact us on enquiries@odstockmedical.com or 01722 439 540 to find out more about treatment options and costs.

Can I purchase the FES equipment? +

If you are under the care of an OML trained clinician, you have the option to purchase the equipment. Speak to your clinician or call our team +44 (0)1722 439 540 to find out more.

Please note: if you are being treated in Salisbury, or in one of the Outreach Clinics, the supplied equipment is on loan (regardless if you are self-funding or NHS funded).

Once your treatment is stopped, then the equipment is to be returned to OML.

Can FES be used with someone who has a baclofen pump fitted? +

We have not had any reported problems with using FES on the lower limbs for clients with implanted baclofen pumps, however as with all implanted devices we advise that clinicians should seek advice from the manufacturer of the implanted device or ask the team who reviews the implanted device to perform tests to demonstrate that FES is safe with the device in situ.

How do I find out about new developments from OML? +

The best way to keep up to date with our developments is through this website.

We will publish details of new products when they are available.

OML patients may also be informed at their clinic appointment or by letter.

How often do I need to visit a clinic? +

For dropped foot:

You will be asked to attend a suitability assessment either at Salisbury or one of our other OML clinics.

You will then have 2 clinic appointments to begin treatment, usually within one week and then adults usually have follow-up visits at 6, 18, 44 and 72 weeks and then every year for as long as FES is used.

Children are the same except for they are seen twice a year for as long as FES is used.

For all our treatment pathways please click here.

How quickly does FES take effect? +

Generally FES for footdrop takes effect immediately, as the electrical stimulation activates the nerve that makes the foot lift and corrects the footdrop. However, there are certain circumstances where improvements happen over time and the device is adjusted accordingly as the walking pattern changes.

For some people FES will not be immediately effective, but as muscle tone, power and tightness changes over time, the FES may become more effective. This may require the Pace to be used as an exercise stimulator for a period first of all, then once the muscles around the leg and ankle have strengthened and loosened, the Pace then becomes more effective at correcting footdrop when walking.

For some people, FES isn’t appropriate for a wide variety of reasons. A clinician can answer this best when assessing a patient.

Is there any clinic evidence about FES? +

FES is a well researched and established technique. Please visit the following link or search our knowledge base for more information.

Read more about clinical evidence 

What sort of difference can FES make? +

Possible improvements include increased walking speed, reduced effort and reduced risk of tripping.

Please click here to see some video examples of FES being used.

Also see the Testimonial section.

 

Is there support available between clinic visits? +

If a patient is seen at the Glanville Centre at Salisbury Hospital, then they can contact customer services if they require new consumables (electrodes, leads etc), visit our product page or they can also phone up and speak to a clinician if they have a problem with their walking or a change in their medical condition. They can also speak to our technical team if they have a problem with their FES device and it requires repairing. Please contact us by calling 01722 439 540, email us on

enquiries@odstockmedical.com or complete this form

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For all other patient who receive FES from other providers please contact your clinician.

Can I see videos of how FES works? +

Yes of course! Click on the link below to see videos of FES in action.

OML videos for patients

For existing patients

Where can I get more information about electrode positioning? +

The manual that comes with your stimulator should have diagrams of electrode positions.

Your clinician may have marked your electrode position in the manual or even issued you with photos of where your electrodes go.

If you continue to have problems, we recommend you contact the clinician that issued you with the equipment as they will be able to help. Or call us on +44 (0)1722 439 540 and a member of our team can help.

How long should electrodes last? +

The manufacturer claims that the electrodes are good for about 30 applications. So using the stimulator every day means you should get about 1 months use.

After using the electrodes we advise to wet the electrodes a little, before putting them back on the ‘ON’ side of the plastic and sealing them in the original packaging or an airtight container.

Watch Video

My electrodes are not sticking very well. What should I do? +

Electrodes are only designed to last for 30 applications. So replace them if they are all dried out.

Quite often people use lotions or moisturisers on their legs. This can cause the electrode to peel off the leg. Make sure you have clean, dry skin before putting on the electrodes.

After using the electrodes we advise to wet the electrodes a little, before putting them back on the ‘ON’ side of the plastic and sealing them in the original packaging or an airtight container.

Are there any regular maintenance requirements for ODFS®? +

Our stimulators do not require any regular servicing or calibration.

They have a two year manufacturer’s warranty and should be returned to us for repair if a problem occurs.

If a stimulator becomes faulty due to damage by the user, we will charge for any repairs required.

My stimulator turns off by itself +

Sometimes this is because the battery is not making contact with the silver battery tags inside the stimulator. This can happen if the stimulator is dropped. If you can see that the battery tags have over bent, then send the stimulator back to Odstock Medical for repair.

It might also be the battery. Make sure you use a good brand (we use Duracell©). If you are using rechargeable batteries then make sure they are charged frequently.

How often should I change my FES items? +

This is an indication of the lifespan of consumables based upon daily usage. If you have any questions, you should contact your FES provider.

Part Expected Service Life

 

Electrodes 3-4 weeks (these also have an expiry date on the packet)
Footswitch 6-12 months

Change this if the plastic case starts to split or if your FES works on test mode, but not in walking.

Footswitch Lead 6-12 months

Replace when the wire becomes stiff and is no longer pliable.

Electrode Lead 6-12 months

Replace when the wire becomes stiff and is no longer pliable.

Cork insoles 3 months
PP3 Battery 9V (non rechargeable battery) 3-6 weeks (these also have an expiry date)

 

PP3 Rechargeable Battery LiPo 100 charge cycles (>65%)

 

Battery Charger for rechargeable batteries (4 bay LiPo) 5 years
ODFS® Pace (XL) 5 years

(2 years for both the electrode and footswitch sockets on the device)

Can I claim back VAT if I have a long-term medical condition? +

The answer is a bit complicated and is regulated by HM Revenue and Customs.

Equipment that requires a fitting at a hospital is not VAT exempt therefore when you are set up with FES all of the equipment has to be charged with VAT.

However, the replacement of equipment that is specifically designed for FES are VAT exempt. This means the footswitch lead, footswitch and stimulator pouch are VAT exempt, when ordering replacements.

Other replacement equipment you may need like electrode leads and electrodes is not VAT exempt because it can be used on other equipment that is not specifically used for people with disabilities.

Please see this document for specific details. If you believe you qualify please contact us to complete the documentation.

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How do I make sure my footswitch stays in place? +

Footswitches are supplied with double sided adhesive tape on each side.

Remove the plastic cover to expose the adhesive and attached to the underside of a cork or solid foam insole.

We do not recommend soft foam insoles as these tend to move within the shoe. If the switch is not fully secure, additional adhesive tape can be used.

For more information, see below:

Footswitch connections

Attaching a footswitch without shoes

How do I find out about new developments from OML? +

The best way to keep up to date with our developments is through this website.

We will publish details of new products when they are available.

OML patients may also be informed at their clinic appointment or by letter.

I have skin irritation, what should I do? +

A very small number of patients may experience skin irritation where the electrodes are placed.

If skin irritation does occur, you should stop using your FES device and contact your clinician to talk through potential treatments and future prevention.

Here is a helpful document on skin irritation

What do I need to do if I think I need to send my device in for repair? +

Before sending in your device for repair, check fault finding section in the manual. This may help you identify what the problem is and possible solutions for the problem.

If you are unable to solve the problem yourself, please send the device (remove batteries) back to us or your local distributor, placing it securely in a padded envelope or similar protective packaging. Please include any electrode or footswitch leads and footswitch. Please include a written note describing the problem and remember to include your contact details and the name of the clinic you received the stimulator from.

If the device is out of its warranty period, we will contact you and advise you of the cost of the repair.

How do I reorder products? +

Simply visit this page and complete the form.

Are there online instructions/videos to support FES products? +

Simply visit our YouTube Channel. or click on the link to each product manual on the product’s details tab.

Patients

In this section

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  • Odstock Medical Ltd.
    The National Clinical FES Centre
    Salisbury District Hospital
    Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8BJ
  • +44 (0)1722 439 540
  • enquiries@odstockmedical.com

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