Guidance on prosthesis replacement

Guidance-on-prosthesis-replacement (345kB pdf)

Local arrangements for replacement prostheses

New prosthesis styles are brought in frequently. The NHS will replace your prosthesis when it is damaged or worn out in the course of normal wear. This is usually after approximately three years.

You can have a reassessment if your prosthesis is no longer a good fit, even if it is still in good condition. This might be the case following a change in your body weight or shape, or in your lifestyle.

If you are no longer attending appointments at the Park Centre for Breast Care, Princess Royal Hospital or Sussex Cancer Centre

If you are no longer attending follow up appointments and have been discharged to the care of your General Practitioner (GP), you will need to ask your GP to refer you back to us for a replacement prosthesis. You will not be required to pay for this appointment or for the prosthesis however, we are unable to see you again unless we have received a referral from your GP.

What if I am unable to attend the Park Centre for Breast Care?

If you are unable to attend the Park Centre for Breast Care, we will still need a referral letter from your GP. We can then offer you a telephone appointment with one of our Breast Care Nurses who will then arrange to send the appropriate replacement prosthesis to you.

What if I am still attending appointments at the Park Centre, Princess Royal Hospital or the Sussex Cancer Centre?

If you are still attending follow up appointments at the Park Centre for Breast Care, Princess Royal Hospital or at the Sussex Cancer Centre, you may ask for an appointment in the Prosthesis Clinic or contact the Breast Care Nurse Helpline to discuss your need with one of the Breast Care Nurses.

When you need a replacement it is a good idea to have a reassessment rather than simply directly replacing the one you already have. You can ask the fitter to order the style you like if it isn’t in stock.

What if my prosthesis is damaged and needs to be replaced?

If your prosthesis is damaged due to a manufacturing fault, you should be reassessed and given a new one free of charge if you are an NHS patient. This would normally happen within the first six months. If this does happen then you should contact the Breast Care Nurses helpline and they will arrange for a replacement.

If your prosthesis is punctured the sticky gel inside will be exposed, although it will not flow out. You can repair it temporarily with a waterproof sticking plaster or by covering the whole prosthesis in cling film or plastic wrap.

What happens if I am unhappy with my prosthesis after it has been replaced?

In this situation, you should contact the Breast Care Nurses on the Helpline telephone number below. They will arrange another appointment for you.

Who can I contact if I have questions about arrangements for replacing my prosthesis?

You may contact the Breast Care Nurse’s Helpline on 01273 696955 extension 4111 and leave a message on the answerphone for one of the Breast Care Nurses to call you back. Your GP will also have been sent information by the Park Centre for Breast Care on arrangements for replacing a prosthesis and so may be able to help you too.

Further information can be obtained from: