Information
The Custom Design Service (CDS) provides custom designed or modified rehabilitation equipment where standard or commercially available equipment is not available.
Our objective is to assist people with a long term (not less than 6 months) physical impairment which impacts on their functional ability in meeting their rehabilitation aims, and hence we can provide equipment for use in the home, workplace or to facilitate established leisure interests. We are, however, mainly involved with the following categories of equipment.
- aids for daily living, e.g. equipment for eating, drinking and personal care
- mobility aids, e.g. walkers
- therapeutic equipment, e.g. positioning systems, modifications to static seating.
Where possible, the service will adapt or modify existing equipment, but we can also design and manufacture custom devices when no alternative exists. We regret, however, that we are unable to manufacture devices which are already commercially available, or supply the equipment to be modified.
We accept referrals from Allied Health Professionals, especially Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Orthotists and Prosthetists, and work closely with the referrer throughout the development process. Referrals to the service have four main stages: referral management, assessment, device provision, and repair.
The CDS is based at the Southeast Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Centre at the Astley Ainslie Hospital in Edinburgh, and home visits can also be arranged if required.
Further information is available on the SMART Services website at https://www.smart.scot.nhs.uk/service/custom-design/ opens a new window.
M.A & M.D 26-06-24
