Plaster casting
If you’ve broken or fractured a bone, sometimes a plaster cast is needed to support the repositioning of the bone. Visit our nurse-led bone casting clinic in East Auckland.
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When is a plaster cast used instead of fibreglass?
We’re all familiar with brightly coloured, light fibreglass casts. But a plaster cast is sometimes needed for fracture reduction.
Quite simply, using a plaster cast allows us to split the cast, which help manage swelling following any repositioning of a broken bone.
Whilst a plaster versions are heavier than fibreglass, following the repositioning procedure, it’s normal to experience swelling. So the plaster cast has a bit more give than the fibreglass alternative.
See our experienced plaster casting team at our Botany Road Urgent Care clinic
- If you’ve had a broken bone, fracture or dislocation and the GP has chosen a plaster route, you’ll be sent to the nurse-led clinic.
- During your appointment, the nurse will establish when you’ll need the cast checked again.
- During the follow-up check, our team will see how you’re healing. This will include an x-ray onsite at Mercy Radiology. Next, your cast may be covered in fibreglass or fully removed and replaced with the lighter fibreglass version.
- Moreover, if you experience swelling or discomfort or notice rubbing or redness, contact us promptly.
- If you need rehabilitation for hands or feet once the cast is off, we have great Auckland physiotherapists and specialists onsite at East Care Howick.
How to look after your plaster cast
As a plaster cast takes time to set fully, you’ll need to take it easy in the first few days. Use a sling to help distribute the extra weight.
How to keep your plaster cast dry:
- Be careful not to get your plaster cast wet. Unfortunately, this can cause it to crack or deteriorate. Also, that will make it feel itchy and uncomfortable.
- Try using a waterproof cast cover from the chemist. Alternatively, cover it well with a plastic bag and tape it to the limb while you gently wash away from the cast. Avoid getting water near the cover.
- For kids, a bath or sponge bath can be a good way of keeping the area dry.
How to stop itching from a plaster cast:
- don’t push anything down your cast to scratch. This can cause scratches and infection or the item can get stuck.
- try a cold blast from the hairdryer to dry moisture and cool the area
- an icepack wrapped in a towel and placed on the cast will transfer cool relief
- speak to your pharmacist about over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine
- and above all, keep the cast clean and dry
How to contact us
- Email info@eastcare.co.nz
- Phone number (09) 277 1516
- Fax (09) 277 1515
- Address: 260 Botany Road, Howick 2013, Auckland
- Postal: PO Box 38306, Howick 2145, Auckland
Complementary onsite services
At our Botany Road premises, we offer a number of onsite services including a Pharmacy and Radiology to ensure your visit to the Centre is as stress free as possible.
Pre-register online before you arrive
Pre-registering saves you time in check-in.
Frequently asked questions
To join our clinic, you first need to fill out the patient enrolment forms to register with the PHO that we belong to. This is a Ministry of Health requirement. You will need to provide proof of identity and eligibility which may include the following forms of identification:
- NZ Passport or NZ birth certificate
- International passport with resident visa OR work visa of minimum 24-month duration
On the enrolment form you need to indicate which of our doctors (currently taking new patients) that you would like to be registered with.
Yes. As part of completing your enrollment, we request that you have a new patient screening appointment with one of our Nursing or Medical Centre Assistant team members.
This new patient appointment enables our team to work with you to better understand your current health and wellbeing.
Following the new patient appointment as above, you can book your first consultation with your nominated doctor.
The length of your first appointment with your new doctor will be as follows:
| Age | Screening appointment | GP appointment | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-13 yrs | - | 15 minutes Free | 15 minutes Free |
| 13-17 yrs | - | 15 minutes $13.00 | 15 minutes $13.00 |
| 18-39 yrs | 15 minutes $10.00 | 15 minutes* $19.50 | 30 minutes $29.50 |
| 40+ yrs | 15 minutes $10.00 | 30 minutes $39.00 | 45 minutes $49.00 |
* Note: if you have a chronic condition, please make a booking for 30 minutes.
Payment is required at the time of consultation
You will get full access to the patient portal “My Indici” once you have completed your screening appointment.
Payment is required at time of consultation. Please note that unpaid accounts will incur an additional $10 monthly administration cost.
There may be additional costs for treatments/tests/materials
We recommend that you book your future appointments via your patient portal My Indici.
If you need an urgent appointment, then please phone the clinic. We have doctors available to discuss your urgent health needs on the day.
All consultations are by appointment only.
Patient portals are secure online sites where patients can access their health information and interact with their general practice. Please give us call on (09) 265 1325 or send us an email at info@ormistonmedical.co.nz, and we can set up your account.
14-17 years $14
18+ years $16
Urgent prescription $27.50
We are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.
For health services after hours visit East Care Accident & Medical, 260 Botany Road, Golflands, Auckland 2013. Their phone is 09 277 1516.
These are consultation prices only.
Under 14 Years - Free 14 - 17 years - $14 18 years & over - $16
Note charge is the same for in person or by phone or video as you are still receiving the same high quality health provider assessment, diagnosis and planning.