Southwark support clinic

Rebuild and Citizen’s Advice Southwark set up weekly clinic to support King’s limb reconstruction patients

From October 2019, patients of the limb reconstruction unit at King’s College Hospital (KCH) can access free, confidential, independent and impartial advice and support on all aspects of welfare benefits, employment issues, housing issues and mobility guidance from Citizen’s Advice Southwark https://www.citizensadvicesouthwark.org.uk. in a weekly face-to-face clinic based in the hospital. This initiative is funded by REBUILD, the charity which supports limb reconstruction patients at KCH on their journey to recovery and rehabilitation.

Patients undergoing limb reconstruction treatment often have complex needs, due to the lengthy treatment which can incur prolonged periods of reduced income, unemployment or limited mobility. Advice is available on:

Welfare benefit issues, encompassing problems relating to claiming, maintaining or disputing awards, such as Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance. These are all benefits which often relate to disabilities or ill-health, and so are especially relevant to patients undergoing lengthy limb reconstruction treatment. 

Employment issues, where patients may face difficulties with contractual or statuary sick pay, or returning to work after a long period of sick leave and dealing with reasonable adjustments. 

Housing issues, which may involve dealing with rent arrears, homelessness, disrepair and eviction. 

Mobility issues, for those seeking advice on discounts and exemptions for travel on public transport and taxi services, and eligibility for a Blue Badge https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one which may grant additional concessions, including disabled parking and exemption from road tax.  

Advice is by appointment every Monday 9.30am – 12.30pm in Suite 3, in the Trauma and Orthopaedic Outpatients Department. 

Please contact Debbie Bond (Senior Nurse, Limb Reconstruction Unit) for more information and appointment bookings:

Telephone –  020 3299 3186 

Email – Debbie.bond@nhs.ne

COVID -19: PLEASE NOTE THAT FACE TO FACE APPOINTMENTS MAY BE SUSPENDED AT PRESENT.