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INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 106 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015/16 £6.95
Rehabilitation robot could help sufferers learn to walk again By Dominic Musgrave STROKE sufferers could learn to walk again with a ground-breaking robot developed, in part, by scientists from the University of Hertfordshire. At the moment, if a stroke patient is struggling to walk, multiple physiotherapists are needed to help support them and manually correct their gait on a treadmill. But this process could become a thing of the past with the development of the CORBYs gait rehabilitation system. The state-of-the-art exoskeleton works and adapts with the patient to provide individualised therapy overseen by one professional. Several modes are available on the CORBYS system – which has 16 degrees of freedom – and therapists can use them to tailor treatment. It also provides a full range of movement and adapts to users’ disabilities and constraints. The machine- which is roughly the size of a forklift truck – could also be used to help people who have suffered serious head injuries walk again. Therapy sessions could also be extended as a patient working with the robot would
pic to come
only be restrained by their own limitations, instead of the fatigue of their therapists. Six of the University’s scientists were instrumental in the project and were the main authors of a paper, which was presented at the prestigious International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems in Hamburg. Dr Christoph Salge worked alongside his Hatfield-based colleagues Cornelius Glackin, Martin Greaves, Nicola Catenacci Volpi, Dari Trendafilov and Daniel Polani on the gait robot. “This could help reducing pressure on repetitive tasks of the therapist during rehabilitation of stroke and other patients and improve the general availability of the therapist for required interventions," said Dr Polani. The robot works by measuring patients’ gaits in one setting where no restrictions are imposed, therapists can then study how they walk and manipulate the movement. In the Corrective Operating Mode the patient can walk on the treadmill constrained by the robotic system, which can be tweaked and modified by the therapist. The publication of the paper is the culmination of a four year research effort within the European Union-funded 6.1 million Euro project CORBYS.
Former Welsh Guardsman Allan Roberts is pictured standing on the top of the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. His achievement was even more remarkable as Allan is a double leg amputee. In March 2010 Allan, from Corwen in Wales, was travelling in a convoy in Iraq when an explosive device ripped through the cab of his vehicle, severing both of his legs below the knee. Despite his life threatening injuries and challenging subsequent rehabilitation, Allan successfully reached the 5,895-metre summit of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with The Not Forgotten Association. Allan was equipped with two pairs of prosthetic legs from Pace Rehabilitation – one primarily for the assent and the other more suited for the even more challenging descent.
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Naked Prosthetics officially releases MCPDriver device NAKED Prosthetics has announced the official release of their latest prosthetic device: the MCPDriver™. Designed for finger amputations distal to the MCP joint, or first knuckle, this device uses a doublearticulating linkage system to provide wearers with the length, grip strength, and dexterity they need to accomplish daily tasks. The MCPDriver™ is the latest addition to Naked Prosthetics’ line of Biomechanical Prosthetic Fingers, expanding the company’s efforts to make finger amputees whole by incorporating seamless aesthetics with function. The MCPDriver™ is made using the most modern additive commercial manufacturing practices, utilising 3D printing of stainless steel components and nylon polymer, resulting in a reinforced prosthetic with extreme structural integrity. The strong steel frame supports and restores a patient’s ability to grasp objects firmly. Conforming silicone
Editorial Judith Halkerston Email: jh@scriptmedia.co.uk
pads embedded in the prosthesis provide a natural grip when holding a variety of objects, while maintaining a slim shape that accommodates those with a single or multiple amputations. A low profile, durable, and washable silicone hand strap anchors the device without obstructing tactile sensation on the palm. The device utilises the ring-style technology previously developed for Naked Prosthetics’ family of products, which facilitates function and protection without impacting the sensitive amputation.
Contacts Group Editor
Dominic Musgrave Group Production Editor Email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734407 Olivia Taylor Reporter Email: ot@scriptmedia.co.uk
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Sales Carole Rice
Product Manager
Email: cr@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478
Naked Prosthetics’ MCPDriver™.
At Naked Prosthetics, engineers design and manufacturer each device to be customised for the amputee.
prosthetists to adjust for scar tissue, limitations in movement, or other abnormalities to ensure a comfortable fit and a device inspired by the mechanics of the human hand.
Naked Prosthetics strives to be a resource for medical professionals and their patients, working with prosthetists, surgeons, and hand therapists to assist in the sizing and fitting for their prosthetic devices. When creating an MCPDriver™, the engineering staff works with
The result is a body powered, fully functional prosthesis with a short adoption and learning curve, allowing amputees to return to their work and daily tasks. With the MCPDriver™, amputees can return to everyday life safely, quickly, comfortably, and with confidence.
At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk
Tony Barry Sales and Marketing Director Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Circulation circulation@scriptmedia.co.uk 24 hour hotline: 01226 734695 Design/Production Stewart Holt Studio Manager Email: sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Scott Firth Graphic Designer Email: sf@scriptmedia.co.uk
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all contents, the publishers do not accept liability for any error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
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Variation, variation, variation ... By Simon Dickinson
purpose.
The vast majority of people working in orthotic services face the continual challenge of working in a part of the healthcare system that most of the public and more importantly healthcare staff do not have an awareness of.
I have seen too many fantastic clinicians leave my profession due to sheer frustration caused by the system they have to work in.
I have lost count of how many times I have explained I am an orthotist to a fellow NHS employee for them then to develop a rather blank facial expression and then ask if my job is to do with teeth! One of the fundamental issues facing orthotic services is variation in every aspect of service delivery and a lack of public and health management awareness of the purpose, importance and effectiveness of an orthotic service. In my 20 years involved with orthotic services I have worked as an orthotist for both the NHS and a commercial orthotic service provider. I have witnessed and continue to witness exceptionally passionate highly professional orthotists doing their best to help patients in services and departments that are not fit for
rightly concerned by failures of orthotic services to provide timely, safe and effective care in appropriate clinical facilities. This long overdue report clearly states that patients in England should be able to expect greater quality and consistency from orthotic services.
Too many services are delivered in poor clinical environments, too many patients have to wait for what I consider to be excessively long periods of time for their appointments, too many services do not allow enough time for clinic appointments (10-15 minutes per appointment) and nearly all orthotic services are poorly funded. The variation in the way orthotic services being delivered is unacceptable to patients and clinicians. Despite numerous previous reports there has been inconsistent change for the good nationally, despite the efforts of the orthotics profession. Due to the lack of investment of resources and time from the NHS into orthotic services it is certain that some patients have come to unnecessary harm and distress. On November 19, 2015 Neil Churchill, director of patient
It provides improved guidance for commissioners to address the huge variations that exist in orthotic services and sets some key recommendations for improving the local commissioning of orthotic services.
Simon Dickinson
experience for NHS England, published the report “Improving the Quality of Orthotic Services in England” (www.england.nhs.uk/ 2015/11/19/orthotic-services/) following a national review. Part of the driving force behind this review came from the Orthotics Campaign (www.orthotics campaign.org). This patient group was founded by parents and users of orthotic services who were quite
This latest report is long overdue from NHS England but realistically, will it be read by all commissioners and will they pay any attention to the recommendations let alone implement any of them? What is certain is that orthotic services need to be commissioned and delivered more efficiently and effectively. Well designed and appropriately orthotic services will improve patient’s lives and save the NHS money. Simon Dickinson is a clinical director at TalarMade.
World Cup winner speaks at event A NATIONAL educational and fun event for families living with the after effects of meningitis and septicaemia was held in Oakham by international charity Meningitis Research Foundation. Held at the Active Rutland Hub, Pushing the Boundaries was the charity’s third inspirational support day for children and their families. The past two years have focused primarily on children with amputations as a results of meningococcal septicaemia, but this year’s event also included children living with neurological and/or behavioural after effects after
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meningitis and septicaemia. Ben Cohen MBE, England Rugby World Cup winner, gave a presentation, mingled with parents and children for photographs and signed rugby balls for many excited children and parents. Informative sessions for parents/carers included developmental delay and behavioural issues, coping at school and the effects on other family members, particularly siblings. There was also a personal meningitis journey session from London 2012 Paralympic wheelchair rugby athlete and MRF member Aaron Phipps.
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The children took part in sports sessions run by specialist Paralympic sports coaches such as wheelchair basketball, rugby and curling. Julie Jenkins from Lancashire has attended all three Pushing the Boundaries events. Her son Louie contracted meningitis three-and-a-half years ago in January 2012. He spent two weeks in intensive care and a further 10 weeks in hospital. Louie had to have both legs amputated and lost the fingers on his left hand. Julie has found the events to not only be useful to Louie, but his older sister Francesca too.
She said: “Louie is a very happy, boisterous little four-year-old. He’s been wearing prosthetics since he was 11 months old; it’s just an everyday thing now. Pushing the Boundaries is fantastic really, especially with all of the specialists that come. “It gives me an insight of things that could potentially crop up in the future, or things that have already happened that I can get more of an insight into. “These events are just invaluable to me really. It’s nice for us to see other children and just have a bond with them.”
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APEX Medical Corp acquires Westmeria APEX Medical Corp, a leading player in the Pressure Area Care and Respiratory Therapy sector, is delighted to announce it has completed its largest acquisition to date in procuring Westmeria Healthcare Limited (Westmeria) a leading UK provider of pressure area care therapy. This acquisition sees Westmeria join the APEX Medical Group in Europe forming a new company – APEX Medical Limited, which launched at the Care and Dementia Show (at the beginning of November. APEX looks to increase its service capabilities and widen its distribution network across the UK; including expanding into the acute sector. APEX will strive to maintain the high standards of service and product development pioneered by Westermeria and will become a
market leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of pressure area care equipment, medical beds, and manual handling equipment. Bringing together Westmeria’s extensive knowledge of the UK healthcare market and history of producing innovative service based solutions, enhanced by APEX medical’s experienced manufacturing capability, APEX believes it can deliver the ideal support to clinicians in reducing pressure ulcers throughout the UK. As a result of the ‘Your Turn’ campaign, a national movement working to reduce the number of pressure ulcers in the UK, APEX’s ultimate aim is to eliminate pressure ulcers in the UK market place. For more information visit: www.apexmedicalcorp.co.uk
Amputee golfer in full swing thanks to his new prosthetic leg DISABLED golfer Andy Gardiner is proudly striding up the fairways thanks to a new prosthetic leg. Andy, from Fritwell in Oxfordshire, sustained a right below the knee amputation 10 years ago following a fall and subsequent medical complications. Prior to his amputation Andy didn’t even play golf, but quickly got into the swing of things and progressed to achieving a handicap of three within two years. He is currently world number two in the European Disabled Golf Association rankings. Ironically, despite his sporting success, Andy admitted to struggling with his mobility,. He said: “Due to comfort issues with my prosthesis, I used a golf buggy to get around the courses. “I also couldn’t comfortably squat down, often resorting to laying on my stomach to try and read the line for a putt.” Frustrated with his situation, Andy decided to visit Pace Rehabilitation for a clinical assessment and met with prosthetist George Tagliaferro. During the assessment George had the opportunity to understand the movement required by Andy when swinging his golf club, and recommended utilising an Össur Re-Flex Rotate prosthetic foot. George added: “It was important to not only improve Andy’s comfort, but also meet his sporting requirements. “By changing to a foot that offers cushioned suspension and ankle rotation, it would hopefully provide a more natural golf swing. This, combined with a new socket, would improve Andy’s comfort and
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confidence.” A cast of Andy’s residual limb was taken, and two days later he headed to Cherwell Edge Golf Club’s driving range to try out the new foot and diagnostic socket. “Despite being on a check socket, the difference was incredible,” he added. “I’d never felt so secure and planted. I could really feel the benefit from the rotation of the ankle. It was such an improvement.” Andy then put the prosthesis through its paces, competing in the Scottish Disabled Golf Partnership Disabled Masters at Slaley Hall Golf Cub in Northumberland. He said: “The new leg was terrific. was comfortable and able to bend down to read putts, which contributed to me winning the event.” His winning margin was an impressive 17 shots. A week after his victory, Andy returned to Pace to take delivery of his finished prosthesis. He will be competing in the EDGA Algarve Open in Portugal later this year and hopes to add to his success. “Golf is such a mental sport. By not having to worry about my prosthesis is fantastic and means that I can concentrate on my game.” “The support from Pace and Ossur has highlighted to me the importance of having the right kit. My everyday mobility has significantly improved and I’m looking forward to walking the courses in the future and maybe achieving world number one status.”
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New liners tackle problems amputees encounter with heat and perspiration MORE than 53 per cent of amputees experience heat and perspiration discomfort due to the thermal environment inside their liners and sockets.1 Build-up of warmth and moisture, leading to loss of connection, unwanted socket movement and potential skin damage, are well known issues for amputees. An innovative new liner from Blatchford has been developed to tackle the problems amputees encounter with heat and perspiration. Silcare Breathe Liners feature laser drilled perforations along the length and end to allow moisture to escape, resulting in drier skin and a healthier environment for the residual limb. Managing moisture in this way helps to reduce the damaging effects caused by the relative motion between skin and liner, improving comfort and control. Traditional vacuum systems expel air between the liner and socket, which can leave air and moisture trapped inside the liner. The action of walking and weight bearing on the Silcare Breathe liner expels air through the pores, and with the use of a one way valve, helps to generate a better vacuum and more secure fit, allowing the user to wear their prosthesis for longer as they benefit from an improved fit throughout the day. Charlie Lewis, an active trans-tibial amputee, regularly runs and cycles
but reports problems with perspiration during training sessions and races. He has tried several methods to reduce or eliminate sweating, including Botox injections and antiperspirant lotions, with no success. Charlie has been using the Silcare Breathe liners for several months and has been extremely positive about the results, commenting: “I normally have to stop several times to empty my liner and dry off my stump throughout the race. “I have not been able to finish a race without a perforated liner. Since using Silcare Breathe liners, I’ve finished every race, which shows just how important sweat management and limb security can be.” Joe McCarthy, senior consultant prosthetist from Blatchford’s Research and Development team, added: “Having seen the issues that perspiration brings to many wearers of standard prosthetic liners, we set about trying to resolve them. “We have been researching and testing materials for many years; refining our design for the best possible outcome for amputees. The feedback we have received from our clinical evaluations has been outstanding.” To find out more about Silcare Breathe liners, please visit silcareliners.com. 1 Ghoseiri K, Safari MR. Prevalence of heat and perspiration discomfort inside prostheses: Literature review. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2014;51(6):855–68. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015/16
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New Orthopaedic Research Institute launched at Bournemouth University A NEW Orthopaedic Research Institute has been launched at Bournemouth University, with the intention of working across the university and with local hospitals and industry partners to carry out research that will improve patient care and develop clinician practice in the UK. ORI is being led by professor Rob Middleton and associate professor Tom Wainwright, both of whom have national and international reputations for their research work. Rob said: “Establishing ORI stems from our passion for improving the quality of care for orthopaedic patients. “Our previous research has demonstrated that enhanced recovery pathways can make a significant difference both to patient recovery and clinical practice. “By delivering multi-disciplinary support from the beginning of a patient’s journey, we can improve quality of care and reduce the length
of hospital stay needed.” The number of orthopaedic surgeries carried out in Dorset is high, so there is potential for ORI’s research to make a significant difference to clinical practice and patients in the local area. This potential has been recognised by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership who are providing seed funding to enable the purchase of equipment to support ORI’s work. Tom added: “We are very grateful for the generous support from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, which is enabling us to purchase state-of-theart gait analysis equipment, allowing us to further develop our clinical research.
Associate professor Tom Wainwright, professor John Fletcher, LEP chairman Gordon Page and professor Rob Middleton, who is leading the Orthopaedic Research Institute.
has the potential to bring in new investment and jobs to the region.
“We will be working closely with local hospitals and practitioners to ensure that our research is tackling the issues they face on a daily basis.”
“It is great example of the key role that we, the LEP, play in supporting local business and economic growth.”
Speaking on behalf of the Dorset LEP, chairman Gordon Page said: “The launch of ORI heralds an exciting time for Dorset, as their programme
Professor John Fletcher, pro vice chancellor for research and innovation at Bournemouth University welcomed ORI's launch.
He added: “Health related research is well established at Bournemouth University and we are delighted to be adding to our research expertise by founding ORI and working with local partners to deliver solutions to issues that will only grow as people live longer. “Our research will make a real difference to peoples’ lives not only here in Dorset but also globally.”
Students volunteer in community for a day
Dr Kay Cooper, Dr Stewart Massie and Dr Nirmalie Wiratunga.
Researchers to help develop a device for back pain sufferers RESEARCHERS at Robert Gordon University have won more than €500,000 of funding as part of a major international project aimed at helping back pain sufferers manage their condition. SelfBACK will see researchers and organisations from around Europe work to develop a decision support system for those suffering from low back pain as part of the €4.9m Horizon 2020 EU funded project led by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The condition, which is cited as the most significant contributor to disability in Europe, is the fourth most common diagnosis seen in primary care. Self-management, which includes 8
physical activity and strength and stretching exercises, constitutes the core component in the management of non-specific low back pain. RGU’s input, which will involve researchers from across two faculties, will see Dr Nirmalie Wiratunga and Dr Stewart Massie from the School of Computing Science and Digital Media working with colleagues at the NTNU for the first three years of the project to develop the monitoring technology. In addition, Dr Kay Cooper from RGU’s School of Health Sciences, will investigate the best ways of changing the behaviour of the person if they are not managing to adhere to a prescribed plan. The other organisations involved in the project include the University of Glasgow.
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ALMOST 100 of the University of Northampton’s Occupational Therapy students spent a day volunteering for local causes as part of National Occupational Therapy Week.
working skills, initiative, clinical knowledge and expertise and even their outward looking attitudes to generously give of their time, enthusiasm and hard work.
The week, initiated by the College of Occupational Therapists, saw occupational therapists and OT students all over the country promoting what their profession does, and how they enable clients to achieve health and wellbeing.
Jenny Devers, occupational therapist and senior lecturer at the University of Northampton, said: “Everyone reported having a fantastic time. Some had never volunteered before, some had. New skills were learned, they got to know others on their course better, they felt fulfilled and were generally amazed how their efforts made such a difference.
At the University of Northampton, students and staff from the BSc Occupational Therapy Programme decided to mark OT Week by volunteering, with help from the University’s Changemaker Hub. The staff and students joined local organisations and charities around the county, undertaking a variety of activities, including conservation, working in charity shop and tidying graveyards and canal towpaths. Other students helped organisations set up social media platforms, and many worked directly with charities and groups – supporting elderly people, deaf people, children, young people, those with mental health needs, people with breathing problems and the homeless. Some students also assisted with relief efforts for the European migration crisis. Students and staff used their problem solving, communication skills, team-
“The University of Northampton promotes and supports us to get involved with local organisations. Through its Changemaker hub, students are credited for their volunteering and encouraged to recognise how their experience will develop their employability skills. “By volunteering for occupational therapy week, students and staff have discovered first-hand the benefits and the difference that volunteering can make, both to themselves and to the clients they will work with throughout their professional lives.” Student Ceri Goldring undertook a mobility audit at Bradlaugh Fields. She added: “Some of the things we spotted may not have been picked up on by the Council or the Trust who manage the park.”
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Cyclone donates equipment for 200-mile ride
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By Dominic Musgrave CYCLONE Technologies supplied wheelchairs and advanced Batec handbikes for a 200-mile charity handbike ride from Hull to Manchester. Plymouth University podiatry lecturer Vasileios Lepesis treats Raiders player BJ Anthony.
University lecturer helps basketball star put his best foot forward By Olivia Taylor
A PLYMOUTH University partnership has enabled a basketball star to step closer to comfort after a long-term foot injury. Plymouth University Raiders player BJ Anthony visited podiatry lecturer Vasileios Lepesis to receive treatment following lower leg pain. Vasileios observed that, among other factors, the main causes of the pain were a previous stress fracture in the area and an aggravation of an Achilles tendon rupture sustained four years ago. He also observed that BJ was unable to shock-absorb ground reaction forces after a jump and had chronic ankle instability with some early signs of degenerative changes. As well as providing useful advice, Vasileios used his expertise to help alleviate the stress overloading and straining the ankle joint as much as possible. The partnership between the city basketball team and the University
enables the players to receive expert treatment from staff and students – not only in podiatry, but also optometry, physiotherapy and, for their marketing needs, events management and media arts. The University podiatry team sees around four players per year, and Vasileios is hoping its partnership with Plymouth University Raiders will continue to enhance the experience of staff, students and players. He said: “The partnership is great because what students usually lack is real-life experience, exposure to real case studies. This is immensely important as it contextualises their knowledge and helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice.” Dave Briggs, chief executive of Plymouth University Raiders, said: “It is great to be able to offer players the opportunity to come and access expert medical care at Plymouth University; players benefit from the best treatment possible and we love being able to offer staff and students the chance to get involved.”
Diabetes foot team recognised THE diabetes foot team from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals has been recognised with a national award for significantly reducing diabetes related amputation rates in the city by almost 50 per cent. The specialist team won the Best Initiative in Specialised Services category at the Quality in Care Diabetes awards. The awards aim to recognise, reward and share good practice in diabetes management, education and patient care. The Sheffield team carried out a 12month analysis of the root cause of all amputations which resulted in a number of different initiatives being introduced to improve patient 10
outcomes and pathways. The initiatives include setting up a diabetes foot hotline to provide community healthcare workers immediate access to advice and support from hospital based consultant diabetologists. Dr Rajiv Gandhi, consultant in diabetes, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work of the Sheffield diabetes foot team, of whom we should be tremendously proud. People with diabetes, who develop problems with their feet, need to be seen rapidly by the specialist foot team if we are to avoid serious complications like amputations.”
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The event was successfully completed by a nine-man team, which included wheelchair users and able-bodied members, all of whom used manual or hybrid/electric Batec handbikes, which transform ordinary wheelchairs into hand-powered tricycles. Participants included rugby players whose careers were cut short by injury, as well as a severely injured former soldier, alongside a doctor, comedian and businessman. The team finished the 200-mile route from the KC Stadium to Old Trafford in five days, where they delivered the match ball for the 2015 Super League Grand Final. The event was organised by Jimmy Gittins, a former professional rugby league player whose own career was ended by a life-threatening neck injury. He said: “It was a fantastic challenge, and a fitting tribute to Steve’s memory and the legacy of his fundraising work. “It was a hard five days, but everyone came through, raising thousands of pounds for a specialist cancer hospital and rugby league players who’ve suffered life-changing and career-ending injuries. “The Batec handbikes were absolutely invaluable, and we simply wouldn’t have been able to complete the gruelling journey without them. Several of our team members have
serious spinal injuries which limit upper body strength, and the electric assistance on the hybrid models provided the assistance we needed to tackle the steepest Pennine climbs.” The challenge raised money in aid of the Steve Prescott Foundation, a charity set up by the former rugby league professional following his diagnosis with terminal stomach cancer. Batec handbikes instantly transform an ordinary wheelchair into a rugged tricycle, revolutionising outdoor mobility and maximising independence for wheelchair users. With a stylish design and unique anchoring system, Batec products fit quickly and easily onto virtually any wheelchair, enabling users to go further, faster and over a wider range of terrain. Available in manual, electric and hybrid configurations, they are designed for use by people with a wide range of disabilities. Stuart Dunne, managing director of Cyclone Technology, added: “As a wheelchair user and C6-7 tetraplegic, I know first hand how just lifechanging a Batec handbike can be. With Batec, I can accompany my children on their bike rides, knowing I can keep up with them wherever they want to go, without assistance or leaving my wheelchair – which is fantastic. “I’m not alone in my praise for Batec – the feedback from customers is universally positive. “Whether you want to gain access the countryside, make long trips into town easier or keep fit, the right Batec handbike will make it possible.”
The ‘Urban Collection’ WITH so many shapes, sizes of feet together with numerous, muscles, bones, joints and ligaments affecting the way we move, can a standard off-the-shelf or modular device really be the optimum treatment plan for you patient and may even lead to false economy. A custom-made foot orthoses from Beagle Orthopaedic is fabricated by skilled technicians completely by hand to individual prescriptions casts and foot impressions. Correctly prescribed these hand made devices can give optimum correction and or pressure relief for effective outcomes. To keep ordering simple we have designed a small range of products
which will can tailored to suit a variety of indications. Named after Lancashire towns; Lytham, Blackburn, Bolton, Accrington, Lancaster and Whalley any one of the “Urban Collection” will provide a unique three dimensional orthoses to suit your patient pathologies. For further information please contact 01254 268788
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DM Orthotics open national clinics DM Orthotics has been working with a number of health centres across the country to set up monthly clinics which are available for members of the public to attend. The aim of the clinics is to provide private patients with a regular regional venue which is run by one of the company’s own expert clinicians. Services provided at the clinics include: patient assessment, product prescriptions, measuring and fitting
and product advice.
rapport with.”
Clinical manager Dan Severn said: “Our regional clinics will provide a dependable place for people who are interested in or who are using DMO’s to meet with our clinicians on a regular basis.
Five clinics have been set up in London, Manchester, Nottingham, Taunton and at DM Orthotics’ head office in Redruth, Cornwall.
“By seeing one of our clinicians independently they will have peace of mind that they will receive the best advice and care with someone who will understand their needs and build
Dan added: “The clinics are aimed at anyone who could benefit from using DMO’s. They will provide adults with convenient access to our products as funding for them through the NHS becomes more and more difficult.
“We have also opened clinics in areas where our type of orthoses are no longer accessible through the NHS due to budget cuts, so this will also provide opportunities for parents of children who could benefit too.” Appointments can be made in advance by contacting the clinician directly. To find out more visit www.dmorthotics.com
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Biker in top gear with latest fundraiser NEWS
By Olivia Taylor ORTHOTICS patients at the Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital are benefitting from the use of a new hoist – thanks to the fundraising of patient Tevan Thomas along with motorcycle group Shifnab Shifnal. Tevan has been receiving treatment at the hospital for almost 15 years, having suffered gradual deterioration of her left leg following a serious road accident back in 1983. The motorcycle enthusiast was fitted with a special orthotic brace that has made it possible for her to walk. And she has been able to keep riding thanks to a special trike that was adapted for her with funding from the National Association for Bikers with a Disability. Out of determination to thank both the hospital and the NABD for their efforts, Tevan and Shifnab Shifnal have staged a series of annual fundraisers. Over the years they have raised £7,750 for the orthotic department, which has funded a television for the orthotic patients’ waiting room and an examination couch among other things. “I was in quite a serious accident and nearly lost my leg at the time,” she
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said. “Doctors were able to save my leg but it has just deteriorated over the years since then and I now have to wear an orthotic caliper. “The full weight bearing calipers were usually great big things because they have to support your whole body weight, and I wasn’t keen because I wouldn’t have been able to wear the normal type of clothes that I was used wearing, like jeans and trousers, plus I would be lot more restricted as to what I could and couldn’t do. “But the head of orthotics at Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital was able to design one I could wear under my clothes and still do some of my previous activities. I was told that when people reach my stage of degeneration they normally can’t do much, but it means so much to me that I can still ride my trike – it’s my bit of fun. “I’m glad I can give a little something back with the fundraising that we do and I intend to keep going.” Over the years, Tevan and Shifnab Shifnal have arranged five fancy dress sponsored rides, two motorcycle treasure hunts and family fun days, as well as numerous sales events to raise funds for both the Trust and the NABD.
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Showing off the new hoist are Tevan Thomas (left) with orthotist Lucy Naylor-James and junior orthotist Emma Bonnick (right).
Despite three major operations this year, she is already starting to think about plans for another sponsored ride next year. The fundraising efforts are hugely appreciated by the orthotics department at the hospital, who were delighted to be able to install the new hoist with the latest donation. Jane Dewsbury, principal orthotist,
said: “It is making a tremendous difference for some of our least mobile patients as we are now able to treat them within the orthotic department. “We were delighted by Shifnab’s donations and are grateful for their ongoing support of the department. Tevan is a remarkable lady, whose ongoing fundraising efforts have made a real difference to other patients.”
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Open bionics unveil Star Wars, Disney and Marvel themed prosthetic hands
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OPEN Bionics, the company based in the Business Technology Incubator at Bristol Robotics Laboratory, has announced the next generation of bionic hands for young amputees that feature Disney themes.
Solution for disabled pediatric toileting ACCORDING to research, using functional rooms- including the bathroom- is the second biggest problem faced by the 0.75m2 families with a disabled child. In an effort to help alleviate the issues surrounding going to the toilet, Clos-o-Mat has published a new white paper – Guidance & Considerations in the Provision of Toilet Aids for Disabled Children. “The ability to go to the toilet with less, or no, help, has a huge impact on any child’s independence and selfcare skills,” said Mark Sadler, sales director at Clos-o-Mat. “Assistive
technology needs to be carefully and properly selected, so it provides the appropriate support, ensuring the child can go to the loo safely, achieve effective bowel and bladder evacuation, be hygienically clean after, and will not be outgrown within a matter of months. “The new white paper aims to provide an easy to follow reference point for obvious- and not so apparent- considerations in choosing paediatric toileting technology.” The white paper is available to download from Clos-o-Mat’s website www.clos-o-mat.com
The first three designs include an Iron Man bionic hand that lets a child pretend he is an inventor Tony Stark, a Frozen-themed sparkly blue and white hand, and a Star Wars lightsabre limb. Joel Gibbard, director and bionic hand designer, said: “The designs mean that children can now get excited about their prosthetics. They’re not just getting medical devices; they’re getting bionic hands inspired by their favourite characters. The Walt Disney Company is generously donating the time of its creative teams and providing royalty free licenses so there will be more designs coming soon. “From the Marvel Universe, hot out of Tony Stark’s workshop, we have the Iron Man hand with artwork designed in collaboration with Lucasfilm’s ILMxLAB; taking their inspiration from Lightsabres, there is
the Star Wars Lightsabre hand and inspired by Queen Elsa from Disney’s Frozen, the Snowflake hand. Earlier this year Open Bionics won a place on the Disney Accelerator programme powered by Techstars, considered to be one of the best start-up accelerators in the world. The designs were revealed during the Disney Accelerator Demo Day. Powered by Techstars, the Disney Accelerator program provides funding and resources to technology innovators. During the three-month program, entrepreneurs are provided with $120,000 in capital and receive mentorship from Disney’s executive leadership. At the end of the program, participants then present their inventions and services to a group of investors, fellow entrepreneurs, industry leaders and Disney executives in a demo day event. The Walt Disney Company is consulting on the project and providing a royalty-free license to Open Bionics, allowing them to use the company’s popular assets – like characters from the movie Frozen – in their design.
Advertiser’s announcement
Fitkidz works to improve its paediatric footwear offering, service and quality AT FITZKIDZ by Ortho Europe we have been working over the past 12 to 18 months to improve our offering, service and quality across our paediatric footwear. By working with patients, clinicians, and technicians we have produced a range of footwear that we feel will meet all clinical and functional requirements for all your needs. All of our footwear range is manufactured in the UK by a dedicated technical and design team who can provide tailored solutions for every individual need. Manufacturing our products in the UK means we have full control of our pricing and can deliver a cost effect solution to you. 14
As we are the manufacturer rather than the distributor we can control and deliver these savings, for example there is no charge for split sizes, or for fastening/ sole/ stiffener or shank options or lasts. In addition we are able to offer one of the quickest turn around on the market; 10 working days or a fiveday fast track service. Since the launch of our new catalogue in August, we have been working closely with our customers and clinicians on a project of continuous improvement and we are soon to offer additional styles contrived by the knowledge provided to us by our loyal customers. Likewise, working with clinicians all
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over the UK, France and Holland we have made advancements in the build of our shoes, most recently the addition of BOA closures across our footwear range. By understanding the needs and wants of our customers and obtaining essential information from clinicians we are repeatedly able to keep FitzKidz at the forefront of the market , knowing that each new improvement is formed on the basis of real research and feedback. These relationships enable us to design footwear solutions that are the perfect fit, style and design. With fully customisable options available for each of our designs, no request is too much and we are able
to adapt our products to suit the patient’s needs. Having clinicians follow our five simple steps of choosing the correct last, upper style, heel stiffener, shank and sole unit – means that the whole process of designing and ordering the correct footwear is completed in a structured and clear technique. In essence we can offer a tailored solution at a stock pricing point. We look forward to on-going improvement of our product range to keep it prominent in today’s orthotic market based on our forward thinking process of development with the help of our customers and clinicians.
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Hello! We are Jiraffe ... JIRAFFE specialises in sourcing and providing postural care equipment and support for everybody, whether they’re at home, school, rest or play! Part of the Jenx Ltd family, and with over 30 years’ experience of working with children and adults with special postural needs, our team are dedicated to bringing you the latest, most innovative and highest quality specialist products we can find, across seating, standing, mobility, therapy, sleeping and bathroom equipment. Since launching Jiraffe in the UK in January 2014, we’ve been working hard to ensure our service goes beyond the products themselves. We work alongside healthcare professionals to assess a child’s needs at free, no obligation product assessments. We also attend seating and standing clinics, or will come and provide product demonstrations on any of our product range.
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We also offer free Jiraffe training courses on our product ranges too. Just either visit jiraffe.org.uk or call our customer support team for more information on any of these. Here at Jiraffe, we also know that financial obligations are a major consideration for any equipment purchase, so we created our Jiraffe APPROVE scheme to help you get the best possible deal for the equipment you need, in both the short and long term. We also offer a five-working day
despatch guarantee on all stocked items, so you can get the equipment you need as soon as possible, plus a two year Jiraffe Warranty for peace of mind – amongst a range of other benefits. Take a look around our website – www.jiraffe.org.uk, where you’ll find not only information on all of our product range including the new Multistander 2 by Jenx, a larger version of the very versatile Jenx 3 in 1 stander; the Rifton HTS – a revolution in toileting for people with special needs, and also the new Therapy Bench, but also news and opinions about the topics most important to you. Recently we’ve posted blogs on issues such as personalised budgets and what they mean for you as a parent or carer, how to cope with
bullying, and ways to approach going back to school, as well as more creative blogs on seasonal fun things to do and make. You’ll find top tips for working with the equipment and plenty of useful websites designed to help and support families, children, carers and siblings. You can share your story with us here at Jiraffe too, and read similar stories from other parents and carers within our community – we’d love to hear from you and see your photos! We’ve also launched our 2015 Decorate a Christmas Tree competition too – a great opportunity to get everyone involved in a sensory experience – and you could win £200 of Toys. Check our website www.jiraffe.org.uk on how to enter!
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