Introduction
The Plastic Dressings Clinic (PDC) is a nurse-led outpatient clinic based in the
Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Edinburgh (RHCYP), providing specialised care for burns and a number of wounds from different specialities, including plastic surgery, orthopaedics and more. Patients are seen from across Edinburgh, the Lothian’s, Borders, Fife and beyond.
What is the plastic dressings clinic?
We are a nurse-led outpatient clinic specialising in burns and wounds from a number of different specialities including plastic surgery, orthopaedics and more.
How long will the appointment take?
Most of our appointments are 30 minutes, however if you require any scans such as x-rays, ultrasounds, photographs, reviews by doctors or physiotherapists then this may take longer.
What to expect
When you arrive in the clinic room, we will talk you through what we will be doing during the appointment, which may include removal of dressings, cleansing the wound, applying a new dressing, getting photographs taken, and going for a scan such as an x-ray, among other things.
Before you come
You may want to bring some toys/distraction tools, e.g., a tablet, soft toys, that will make your child or young person feel more at ease during their appointment. We have some distraction toys in the clinic as well.
It may also be helpful to give your child some pain relief, e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen, an hour before their appointment to ensure they are comfortable. Please follow the instructions on the packaging for dose and frequency.
Before you go home
At the end of the appointment, we will tell you if we need to see your child or young person again or if we are referring to another multidisciplinary team member. If we need to see you again, we will make you another appointment before you leave.
Parking and transport
Check the Travel & Transport page for parking information.
If you receive benefits you can claim travel expenses for public transport or use of private car, please bring proof of benefit eligibility and travel costs and we will complete the relevant form for you, this is then collected from the cashier’s office in Royal Infirmary Edinburgh (RIE).
When you enter the hospital, there is a reception desk that can point you in the right direction, or you can use the lift or stairs to come to level 1 next to therapies. There should be a receptionist who can check you in, and we will come and get you when we are ready to start your appointment.
How to find us
The clinic is located on Level 1 of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP), next to the Therapies Department.
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed on public holidays)
If your child or young person has an appointment for the Plastic Dressing Clinic, you will receive a letter or phone call with further details.
Who will we see
The plastic dressing’s clinic is a nurse-led clinic; we also work with speciality doctors, physiotherapists, psychosocial nurse specialists, medical photography and more so you may see a few different people as required. We are a teaching hospital so we often have student nurses working with us as well, if you would prefer not to have students during your appointment, please inform a member of staff.
Contact us
If you are running late or need to rearrange your appointment, please contact the clinic directly on 01313120107. If your child or young person is unwell please bring them into the Emergency Department (ED) to be seen.
Advice Leaflets
Here are some links to our advice leaflets that may be relevant to your child or young person. If you are worried about your child, they become unwell, their dressing comes off or gets wet, please attend the Accident and Emergency department as soon as possible.
Links to:
Burns and Scalds
Nail bed injury
Scar management
Skin graft
Minor burns and scalds
Care of a facial burn
