We explore what’s happening in the healthcare sector, from new products and services to inspirational stories
What’s new? RCOT ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF 2022 FELLOWSHIP AWARDS The Royal College of Occupational Therapists announced which members had been awarded Fellowships earlier this year - their highest award given in recognition of an occupational therapist’s contributions to their profession. This year saw six occupational therapists earn the award, including familiar face Kate Sheehan, director of The OT Service, a regular columnist for The OT Magazine. Recognised alongside her were: Dee Christie, chair of the Elizabeth Casson Trust; Jo Adams, emeritus professor of Musculoskeletal Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty
CENTAUR ROBOTICS TRIALS NEW WHEELCHAIR WITH HOUSING CHARITY Motability provider Centaur Robotics has partnered with the ExtraCare Charitable trust to help further enhance the former’s futuristic new wheelchair through its use by residents of the trust-run retirement community. The partnership will see Centaur Robotics’ self-balancing twowheeled mobility aid, the Centaur, used by the residents in hopes that it will allow the designers to further
of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Southampton and visiting professor, University of Liverpool; Julia Scott, former chief executive and secretary, British Association and Royal College of Occupational Therapists; Paul Devlin MBE, occupational therapy service lead, Southeastern Health and Social Care Trust, The Ulster Hospital, Belfast; and Samantha Shann, director and occupational therapist, The OT Service UK and President, World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). Recipients of the award are nominated by RCOT members,
enhance the already innovative technology. Chairman of Centaur Robotics Eric Kihlstrom said: “Centaur Robotics and ExtraCare share the same goal. We are both committed to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives. Staying mobile and independent as we age in place is key to that. “Our collaboration with ExtraCare will allow us to analyse the types of journeys people living in retirement communities make and how slimmer, more agile personal electric vehicles like the Centaur can be used around and inside people’s homes. “Mobility scooters are too large and are often left outside where they can obstruct corridors and fire exits. While many rely on them to get around, they have a negative image which deters potential users.
who are encouraged to nominate colleagues each year for the Fellowship Award or a Merit Award, the latter of which recognises special contributions made towards the profession. Unfortunately, there were no nominations for Merit Awards this year. Information on how to nominate colleagues for next year’s Fellowship and Merit Awards will be released by RCOT in June 2022. The OT Magazine wishes our most heartfelt congratulations to each of this year’s recipients and thanks them for all the work they have done to advance the profession over the years.
“The Centaur looks good and is designed to combat the stigma which accompanies so many mobility devices. We also hope our work with ExtraCare will create an affordable service option opening up access to users from all social and economic backgrounds.” Shirley Hall, ExtraCare’s head of Research, Innovation and Customer Insight said: “We are aware of issues in our locations around use of scooters and wheelchairs and are seeking new ways to resolve them. “We’ve been working with residents for several years on how to store them, and how they are being used in the communal areas. The Centaur has the potential to be another solution for us and our residents. We are excited to trial it in some of our locations, to get resident feedback, and to ensure we continue to innovate in our setting.” www.
-magazine.co.uk
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