Trauma Outpatients Department
General care of your child’s plaster cast:
- Do not allow the plaster cast to get wet or attempt to dry the cast by using a heat source – fire, heater, hairdryer etc.
- If your child develops an itch never insert objects under the cast as you could cause trauma and risk infection
- Never trim down your cast or attempt to tuck in extra padding
If your child’s plaster cast has become too tight they may experience:
- Increased swelling of their fingers or toes
- Altered sensation, pins and needles, numbness in their fingers or toes
- Increased pain and throbbing
- Rubbing or pressure from the cast
- White or blue discolouration of your fingers or toes (not to be confused with bruising of the skin)
- Cold fingers or toes
If this happens your initial action should be to elevate the limb as high as possible by raising and, or supporting with pillows. Raise the hand higher than the shoulder or foot higher than the hip.
Important
If symptoms do not improve within 1 to 2 hours, please contact the hospital on the numbers listed.
If the plaster cast has become loose, cracked, softened or you notice a fluid leak through the cast or there is an offensive odour from within the plaster cast you should contact the hospital for advice.
During the time your child is in cast close supervision is required to ensure they do not damage or place any objects into the cast which could cause them significant harm.
Babies and younger children may not be able to tell you there is a problem with their plaster cast. It is therefore extremely important that you are alert to any change in their behaviour that may indicate that there is a problem. Examples may include general irritability, crying, not feeding etc.
If you are concerned that the plaster cast requires attention please do not attempt to adjust or remove it yourself.
Taking care of your child’s plaster cast is vital to reduce the risk of complication and to promote the effective healing of their injury. If you have any concerns about the cast please seek advice on the numbers listed below and arrange for review.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
- Trauma Outpatients Department – James Cook Hospital
Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm
Telephone: 01642 850850 Extension: 57412
Email: [email protected] - Plaster Room – Friarage Hospital
Telephone: 01609 764581
Wednesday and Thursday, 9am until 5pm
Friday 9am until 1pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Outside of Office Hours:
- Accident and Emergency Department – James Cook Hospital
Tel: 01642 850850 Extension: 54252 - Urgent Treatment Centre – Friarage Hospital.
Tel: 01609 779911
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]