General News
11 October, 2025
New clinics cut travel for orthotics, prosthetics care
A monthly service for orthotics and prosthetics is now being offered in Horsham and Stawell.
Grampians Health launched the service to bring specialist care closer to home for communities across the region.
The new clinics, which commenced in July, are part of a broader initiative to improve access to essential health services through collaboration across Grampians Health sites.
The clinic is a specialised service where patients are assessed, fitted, and supported in the use of devices that either assist and improve physical function (orthotics) or replace missing body parts (prosthetics).
These clinics provide ongoing care, adjustments, and rehabilitation support to help patients achieve optimal mobility, independence, and quality of life.
“While we have an established prosthetic and orthotic clinic in Ballarat, our ability to share resources across our network has enabled us to extend these specialist services to Horsham and Stawell,” Ben Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, Grampians Health, said.
“This means patients can receive high-quality care without needing to travel long distances, which is especially important for follow-up appointments and ongoing rehabilitation.”
The clinics provide essential orthotic and prosthetic care to a diverse patient population, including children, older adults, and individuals recovering from surgery or adapting to new devices.
They also offer long-term support for individuals following amputation or those living with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, many of whom require ongoing, lifelong management.
“Prior to these clinics, many patients in the region often had to travel to Ballarat for their assessment and/or review appointments," Karina McAuley, acting clinical manager of prosthetics and orthotics at Grampians Health, said.
"Now by offering care, previously provided in Ballarat, we’re helping to improve access and reduce travel burdens for our regional patients."
Grampians Health’s prosthetic and orthotic clinics in Horsham and Stawell are already making a difference for local patients.
“We’re seeing new referrals come in and familiar faces return for follow-up care,” said Ms McAuley.
“It’s exciting to see the impact these clinics are having already, and we’re ready to grow with the community.”
Grampians Health will continue to monitor demand and is prepared to expand the frequency of clinics if needed, she added.
To access the clinic, patients can self-refer; however, referrals from both Grampians Health staff and external healthcare providers are also welcome.
All new referrals should be directed to the Ballarat Central Intake via email at centralintakereferrals@gh.org.au or by phone at (03) 5320 6690.