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Virtual Fracture Clinic

Innovation is at the heart of our service. Our Virtual Fracture Clinic offers a streamlined and efficient approach to follow-up care for certain orthopaedic injuries. After your initial assessment in the Emergency Department or Minor Injuries Unit, your case and X-rays will be reviewed by the consultant orthopaedic.

For many common and predictable fractures that do not require an immediate face-to-face appointment, the VFC allows us to provide expert advice, guidance, and treatment plans without you needing to attend a physical clinic. You will be contacted by phone to discuss the next steps, which may include home management advice, a follow-up appointment in a traditional fracture clinic, or referral to physiotherapy. This service minimises unnecessary hospital visits, saving you time and inconvenience while ensuring appropriate care.

The orthopaedic reception leads onto a well-lit, large, clear, open hallway with a set of double doors and some automatic doors.

Your journey through the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC)

The following explains what happens after you've been referred to our VFC. It outlines the process from your initial visit to the Emergency Department to receiving your treatment plan.

1. Emergency department attendance

Your journey begins in the Emergency Department, where you will be assessed for your orthopaedic injury. If the clinical team feels that your injury can be managed through our VFC, they will make a referral.

2. Referral to the Virtual Fracture Clinic

The Emergency Department will refer your case to our VFC via a secure electronic pathway. This process ensures your information is sent directly to our specialist team.

3. Orthopaedic consultant review

An orthopaedic consultant will review your case within 48 to 72 hours of your referral. Please note this timeline may be slightly longer if you attend over a weekend. The consultant will carefully review all your medical notes and scans to decide on the best course of action.

4. Receiving your management plan

Based on the consultant's review, you will be contacted with a management decision. This may include:

  • Home management advice: You may be given clear instructions on how to manage your injury safely at home.
  • Follow-up appointment: You may be scheduled for a follow-up appointment in a traditional, face-to-face fracture clinic.
  • Referral to physiotherapy: You may be referred directly to a physiotherapy service for your rehabilitation.

Please be aware that phone calls made from within the hospital will appear on your phone as “number withheld” or Huddersfield Landline number.

5. Your clinic letter

For your convenience, a letter detailing your treatment plan will be available to view online via the NHS App. This letter will contain all the necessary written instructions and information about your next steps.

This information can also be found on our leaflet below:

Step by step guide: Step 1 Emergency Department Visit. Step 2: Virtual Review. Step 3: Management Decision. Option A: Home Management. Option B: Traditional Fracture Clinic. Option C: Physiotherapy Referral. Step 4: Your Information.

Who to contact?

Should you have any worries or concerns following discharge from the Accident and Emergency department please contact:

Virtual Fracture Clinic

01484 342880

9.00am - 4.00pm, Monday to Friday

For non-urgent queries please email: virtualfractureclinic@cht.nhs.uk

Please note that we cannot provide any appointment information via this number.

For appointments, please telephone: 01484 355370

In an emergency outside of these hours

  • Speak to your GP
  • Call 111
  • Go to the Emergency Department

Please do not use the emergency numbers for general enquiries