Patients in Plaster (Child)

Patients in Plaster (Child)

What is a plaster cast?
A plaster cast is a splint used to support, immobilise and help control pain of a limb that is fractured. The plaster can be constructed from Plaster of Paris or a synthetic material called Scotchcast™. The principals of caring for a child in a plaster cast are the same no matter what the cast is constructed of.

If your child experiences any of the following:

1. any type of pain
2. develops marked swelling of areas you can see, e.g. fingers/toes
3. develops any blueness or discoloration of the affected limb
4. is unable to move the fingers or toes of the affected limb
5. has numbness or pins and needles in the affected limb

Any of the symptoms could be an indication of problems with circulation due to swelling of affected limb

PLEASE RETURN TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY

Caring for the plaster cast – If the plaster cast cracks, goes soft, becomes loose and uncomfortable or causes any soreness of your child’s skin, please return to the appropriate department for further assessment as the plaster may need to be replaced.

What can my child do?

1. encourage the exercising of fingers/toes of the affected limb
2. elevate the affected limb to help reduce swelling
3. if using crutches, use them only as instructed to and observe for tightness and swelling of the affected limb

What can my child NOT do:

1. it will take approximately 24-48 hrs for the plaster cast to dry, until then do not stand or put weight or strain on the plaster cast
2. do not get the plaster cast wet and be careful when bathing, it will not reset once wet
3. do not put anything down the plaster cast e.g. pencils, knitting needles etc, this could cause sores to develop under the cast
4. do not write on the plaster cast until dry and use marker pens
5. do not allow the plaster to become hot, once hot it will take time to cool and may cause a burn to the skin underneath the cast
6. try hard not to cut, bump or knock your cast

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]
Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.
If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

For additional medical advice, if your symptoms or condition worsens:
Contact your GP
NHS 111: Telephone 111
Get help with your symptoms, NHS111: https://111.nhs.uk/
Information to help you manage your health: www.nhs.uk
In an emergency telephone 999

Version 1