INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 123 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 £6.95
BHTA launches plan to reduce ‘bed blocking’ to support the NHS THE British Healthcare Trades Association has produced a new paper in support of the NHS aim of reducing Delayed Transfer of Care, commonly referred to as ‘bed blocking’. The BHTA says that procurement policies could be improved in order to speed up delivery of community equipment and enable people to leave hospital more quickly. It wants to see delayed discharges treated as an emergency, with needs for equipment quickly identified, and generally provided within five days. The paper says that improving the management of Loan Stock Equipment could also help to reduce delayed transfers. The principle of combining health and care budgets is strongly supported. The paper points to examples of good practice integrating services in areas such as Manchester, Kent and Norfolk. In the cases cited in the paper, there is clear evidence that better integration provides better care and cuts costs. It is also suggested that tax incentives should be introduced to encourage people purchasing homes with a view to retirement to plan ahead and make their homes more accessible in anticipation of future needs. Such homes could be adapted at purchase to provide, for example, for the introduction of a stairlift in future. The BHTA initiative follows a call at the NHS
Confederation conference in June when Simon Stevens and Ian Dalton, the chief executives of NHS England and NHS Improvement, announced their plans to improve patient care by cutting long hospital stays. BHTA director of communications, Lord Chris Rennard, said: “Delayed transfer of care causes distress for patients and their families and is a particular problem for many older people, especially those who are frail and may have dementia. “Their conditions often deteriorate whilst in hospital and there can be significant muscle wastage due to lack of physical activity.” The BHTA director general Mandie Lavin has written to Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, to say: “More rapid assessment of the need for community equipment and a more rapid procurement process could assist significantly to reduce the scale of the problem to everyone’s benefit. “When needs have been assessed, tenders for the necessary equipment are very largely based upon price (inevitably) and to a lesser degree on quality. “But speed of delivery and the opportunity to reduce ‘bed blocking’ should also be a significant priority. “We believe that where there is an issue of ‘delayed discharge’ then the supply of equipment should generally be treated as an emergency”.
A Haslemere woman who has defied expectations for almost 20 years is being helped in her recovery by a unique orthosis made by Dorset Orthopaedic. Laura Wright, 41, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in 2001 and while the first operation was deemed a success — in the years that followed she ran the London Marathon and married her husband, Rob — a second operation was required in 2004. Laura did not like wearing the rigid orthoses she had been prescribed, so when Dorset Orthopaedic’s SAFO was mentioned, she wanted to find out more. The SAFO allows for a more natural foot and ankle action, lifts the foot while walking, improves balance, and is easy to fit, clean and maintain. It can also be worn with our without a shoe.
became the first disabled person to lead successful expeditions to both the North and South Poles – the North Pole in April 2002 and the South Pole in January 2004.
MICHAEL McGrath has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire in recognition of his motivational and inspirational work with persons with disability.
Since then, Michael has established the Hertfordshire-based charity, The Muscle Help Foundation, which helps children and young people with muscular dystrophy to realise their ambitions – their ‘muscle dreams’.
Described as one of the most influential disabled people in Britain, Michael was awarded with a Doctor of Arts at a ceremony held at St Albans Abbey. “I am incredibly humbled to receive this honorary doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire,” he said. “Through the work of my charity and as a speaker, my disability has effectively become a passport for purpose, compassion and hope. “My message to today’s Computer Science graduates and young people across the country is simply this – with today’s world of algorithms, artificial intelligence and the rapid advancement of technology, the discovery of your purpose is vital – fundamentally, this is about how you contribute in giving your time to others and being sure you allow the
Michael McGrath with his Honorary Doctorate.
virtues of compassion, generosity and kindness to rise up as your personal and professional lives unfold. “It is these virtues as opposed to today or tomorrow’s technologies that lie at the centre of our humanity, ultimately what gives our lives meaning,” Michael faced head-on the challenge of being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 18 and
The Muscle Help Foundation is a three-times winner of the ‘Inspiring Hertfordshire’ Award for Best Social Enterprise of the Year. Michael is an internationally recognised motivational business speaker and has been widely acknowledged for his achievements and his work. Among other recognitions he has received, for the last three years he has featured in the Power 100 for Britain’s most influential people with a disability and in 2016 he received the Inspiring Communicator National Award.
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Disability champion honoured by University of Hertfordshire
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
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Cross-Channel ADAPT Project receives 8.7 million euros NEWS
SIXTEEN organisations from the UK and France, including several NHS Trusts, have come together to launch a project that will help tackle mobility problems faced by elderly and disabled people, by developing a new smart electronic powered wheelchair and virtual reality wheelchair simulator.
Sheepskin-lined bootee for swollen feet THE new Scandi-style Anna bootee from Cosyfeet provides supreme warmth and comfort for swollen feet.
‘environment’ for vulnerable feet as it has a natural warmth, softness and elasticity.
Made with a 100 per cent pure wool upper and a genuine sheepskin lining, this luxurious slipper gently forms to the shape of the foot and is naturally breathable.
Wool is also durable, breathable and anti-microbial, so it prevents the build-up of moisture and naturally resists the growth of odour-causing bacteria.
Designed with hidden depth for a streamlined look, the Anna bootee has a cushioned footbed and a flexible rubber sole.
The Anna bootee comes in a 6E width fitting as standard and is available in Pebble Wool, in sizes four to nine.
It can be worn indoors or out and is diabetic-friendly due to its softness and its seam-free toe area, which protects sensitive toes from rubbing. The footbed is also removable for extra depth, or to accommodate bespoke orthotics if required. Pure wool provides the perfect
It has an adjustable, touchfastening strap for a perfect fit and is hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. This style also meets the stringent standards of the Healthy Footwear Guide. The Anna retails at £105, or £87.50 if patients qualify for VAT relief due to a chronic medical condition.
The project is called ADAPT (Assistive Devices for empowering DisAbled People Through robotic technologies). ADAPT will improve on features of existing powered wheelchairs which are currently used by health services in the UK and France by adding driving assistance technologies such as obstacle avoidance, route selection and autonomous driving. The smart electronic powered wheelchair will also report on the user’s health by sending real-time information via the internet, enabling healthcare professionals to monitor any changes in the user’s health. Additionally, ADAPT will produce an electronic powered wheelchair simulator based on virtual reality for new users, giving them the opportunity to practice before using the new smart wheelchairs. The ADAPT project is also going to address an important gap in the healthcare workforce development. Training on assistive technologies, a current gap in healthcare education identified by healthcare professionals, will be developed and delivered during the project to promote better understanding of and more effective engagement with AT solutions in practice.
Canterbury Christ Church University is the lead academic partner responsible for the development and delivery of the AT training of healthcare professionals. For the purposes of the project, the CCCU team has launched a national NIHR CRN portfolio study survey of health and social care professionals’ knowledge and attitudes towards AT, which is open until November 30. The team is currently designing online and face-to-face AT training for healthcare professionals to engage more effectively with a range of AT solutions, including the cutting-edge ADAPT project technology. The ADAPT project, which was launched in 2017 and will last for four years, aims to reach up to 300,000 electric wheelchair users in the Channel area and help train more than 15,000 healthcare professionals. The project will also have an additional economic benefit on the cross-border Channel area with around 60 companies benefiting from the manufacturing of components for both the smart wheelchair and the simulator. “This work is carried out as part of the INTERREG VA FMA ADAPT project “« Assistive Devices for empowering disAbled People through robotic Technologies » http://adapt-project. com/index.php. The Interreg FCE Programme is a European Territorial Cooperation programme that aims to fund high quality cooperation projects in the Channel border region between France and England. The Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)”
Vice-chair role for head of human mobility OTTOBOCK UK’s head of human mobility Simon Tempest, has been announced as the new vicechair of the British Healthcare Trades Association mobility division. Simon, who has worked for Ottobock since 2000 and has been head of its human mobility business unit for 10 years, will lead meetings of BHTA mobility members — manufacturers and retailers — and work with them on future projects. He said: “I’m delighted to be taking the position of vice-chairman for the BHTA’s mobility division, looking after member manufacturers and retailers. “I feel I have a lot to offer and I’m looking forward to engaging with members, invigorating great debate and encouraging an environment of proactive discussion.” Prior to his time with Ottobock, Simon worked for a specialist mobility retail distributor for 14 years. He added: “Having worked with both retail and NHS customers for nearly 30 years, I’ve got a broad insight into how both segments of the 4
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market work. “It helps me understand consumer needs and requirements and I think this is really important, given the changing environment of funding and the shifting NHS landscape.” The BHTA, which is the UK’s largest and oldest healthcare association, has almost 500 company members which make or sell healthcare and assistive technology products to help people live more independently. Mandie Lavin, director general of the BHTA, said: “It is truly wonderful to have the support of Ottobock and the skills and expertise that Simon brings to enhance our work at the BHTA, I am looking forward to working with him and the entire section, to progress with our thought leadership and practical policy initiatives. “This is a very exciting time for the BHTA and I am so privileged to see the positive work undertaken to date and the massive future potential, a big thank you to Simon and to Ottobock.”
Simon Tempest
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Trust saves thousands of pounds with innovative physiotherapy service
Andrew Taylor (left) receives his award from Max Brown, chair of the Blackwood Board.
Winners presented with coveted design awards THE winners of one of the housing and care industry’s most esteemed design awards have been presented with their prizes at a ceremony held in Edinburgh.
Max Brown, chair of the Blackwood Board, said: “It was magnificent to welcome our winners to our head office and celebrate their talents with them.
The Blackwood Design Awards are an annual celebration of the brightest and best innovations to help people with disabilities live life to the full.
“No matter how detailed or simplistic the entries to the Blackwood Design Awards are, they make a huge difference in helping those living with disabilities to live more independently, which is why we encourage any budding inventor to enter the competition.
After another year of awe-inspiring entries, the winners were chosen and have now been given their trophies at a presentation held at Blackwood’s head office in Scotland’s capital. Sara McDermid from the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling collected the award for ‘Best Collaborative Project by a university or institute of higher learning’ for its Iridis app, which helps the user to improve living spaces for those with dementia. The ‘Best New Concept’ category was won by Andrew Taylor with his specially-designed guidance system for visually impaired athletes which works in a similar way to parking sensors using sound to guide runners round the track.
SHEFFIELD Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, one of the biggest employers in South Yorkshire, has saved hundreds of hours of staff time by preventing sickness absence since introducing a physiotherapy provision to its health and wellbeing strategy.
physiotherapy provision, we’ve reduced MSD-related sickness absence and helped staff return to full health – and return to work – sooner. The support we have received from Physio Med throughout has been excellent.”
Occupational physiotherapy provider Physio Med was employed by the Trust to implement its award-winning blended model of physiotherapy services in February 2017.
The Physio Med service also enables SCH staff to have any musculoskeletal disorders assessed within a maximum of three days, a significant benefit to the Trust which relies on the fitness of its staff to deliver a high standard of care to all its patients.
Since then, Physio Med has enabled staff at SCH to recover from injuries and return to work more quickly and safely, with employees who used the service between February 2017 and January 2018 reporting an average reduction in pain levels of 58 per cent and an average increase in productivity of 64 per cent. By helping staff return to work more quickly and increase their productivity, the Trust is estimated to have saved £198,492. Jane Clawson, deputy director of human resources and organisational development at SCH, said: “We value the wellbeing of our staff and want them to be well taken care of. “By providing an occupational
In comparison, the average time to access NHS physiotherapy currently stands at more than 14 weeks. Phil Clayton, managing director at Physio Med, added: “We were delighted when SCH approached us about providing our physiotherapy service to its staff. NHS employees do incredibly important work and we’re happy to do whatever we can to help them stay fit for work.” Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is the only dedicated children’s hospital trust in the north of England and provides integrated healthcare for children and young people, including community and mental health care.
“It’s an incredible way to champion the innovative ideas that designers have and helps to act as a platform for them to go on further and develop their products in future.” While both Sara and Andrew collected their awards in person, South Korean company Neofect had there’s sent out after winning the top prize in both the ‘Best Aids and Equipment’ and ‘Best Accessible Technology’ categories for its RAPAEL Smart Glove and Smart Pegboard – both of which can be used in the rehabilitation and treatment following serious injury or stroke.
Stretchy boots for swollen feet THE Markle from Cosyfeet is the ultimate comfort boot disguised as a great-looking winter casual. It comes in a 6E width as standard and incorporates an elastane panel to take the pressure off bunions and swelling. Supple leathers, a textured collar and a distressed, hand-brushed sole contribute to a contemporary, premium look. Luxurious underfoot cushioning and padding in the tongue and collar provide exceptional comfort. Winners Andrew Taylor and Sara McDermid with Blackwood Board chair Max Brown and chief executive Fanchea Kelly.
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The Markle’s lace fastening adjusts to fit variable swelling, providing
excellent support. A seam-free toe guards against rubbing injuries and a lightweight, hard-wearing yet flexible sole makes for easy walking. This comfy, stretchy style meets the rigorous standards of the Healthy Footwear Guide and has a sanitised ‘airflow’ footbed which is removable to allow for bespoke orthotics if required. The Markle comes in Caramel or Dark Teal and retails at £89, or £74.17 if patients qualify for VAT relief due to a chronic condition. It is available in sizes four to nine including half sizes.
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Locum Notion to host inaugural conference aimed at orthotists LOCUM Notion was established in 2011 by Pam Coulton, who has previously worked as principle orthotist within the NHS and as clinical orthotic support for one of the large service providers.
The business grew somewhat organically, as people were wanting to book Pam to cover their clinics, but her inability to be in more than one place at a time resulted in her having to sadly say no to the requests that were made. Having developed a broad network of contacts with other locum orthotists, whom she knew and trusted, she began to pass on most of the work that she herself couldn’t cover. In order to professionalise this, Locum Notion was born, and now delivers first rate orthotic cover around the country for a number of both private and NHS service providers, whilst also filling the diaries of locum orthosists from all four corners of the UK. Locum Notion provide full administrative support for all of those who are registered with them,
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but this extends into booking and pre-paying hotels where necessary, offering a one-stop-shop in terms of invoicing, ensuring speedy payment of invoices, and generally simplifying the whole process, for both providers and orthotists. Being a locum orthotist provides a great amount of flexibility and freedom, not just in terms of choosing where you work, but more importantly enabling you to plan when you work. This allows you to plan, very often quite far in advance, and results in you being able to build a schedule around holidays, children, other caring responsibilities, or even your own private practice or other work
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
ventures. Being in different clinics, often for short periods of time, a locum may however miss out on some of the events that other orthotists may benefit from, such as new product displays, clinical demonstrations, or a host of other events that promote clinical and personal development. This is precisely where the concept of the ‘Clinical Nomad Conference’ was born: a conference specifically designed for orthotists, who are either already working as locums, thinking about becoming a locum, or even for clinicians who works alongside locums on a regular basis. This is the perfect opportunity to provide not only a chance for a
network event, but also a platform from which to deliver useful and meaningful material to the ‘mobile’ clinician; information ranging from clinical presentations, to more pragmatic sessions on tax and benefits for self-employed professionals. There will be product demonstrations from several key manufacturers, and they will have representatives on hand for advice and information.
The conference will also include presentations from service providers, from the NHS and the private sector, discussing precisely what they require from, and expect of a locum, and this will culminate in a panel debate, which will focus on the role of the locum orthotist in the current social, economic and political climate, and there will be experts from all sides of this debate to answer questions from the floor. The poster below gives details of where, when and how this conference will take place, but places are limited, so should you wish to attend, you should contact Locum Notion as soon as possible for a registration form.
Ottobock launches Nexgear Tango orthotic ankle joint in the UK FOLLOWING its successful launch at OT World in Leipzig, Germany, Ottobock’s new orthotic ankle joint, the Nexgear Tango, is now on sale in the UK. The Nexgear Tango is a revolutionary ankle joint with a spring-loaded joint system, which can be adjusted to a number of different settings, depending on the needs of the patient. It is designed to help those with partial or total paralysis of the leg muscles, either through incomplete spinal injury, traumatic brain injury, infantile cerebral palsy, spina
bifida, stroke, or other neurological conditions which affect the plantarflexion and/or dorsiflexion phases of gait. The Nexgear Tango features a doubleaction ankle joint with three functions — stop-module, spring-module and reaction-module — which enables individual adaptation. Modules can be removed and added whenever needed, meaning it’s adaptable through a patient’s entire rehabilitation process. Using ground reaction forces to influence the knee and ankle joint, the highly functional reaction module
has a high level of energy return. The module’s reaction springs allow the energy return to be optimised on an individual basis. In addition, the Tango ensures the largest possible range of motion in the ankle, even with high spring force, resulting in a more dynamic and natural gait pattern. In fitting, the clinician can take a systematic approach, aligning it in a static position before dynamic adjustment with the spring-loaded module. Jana Middlebrook, Ottobock academy clinician, said: “We’re very excited to
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Advertiser’s announcement
be able to offer the Nexgear Tango to the UK orthotics market. “The high energy return reaction modules offers the Orthotist greater control of the Ground Reaction Force (GRF). This makes for much more effective dynamic alignment and improved gait kinematics for the user. “It’s the first product in Ottobock’s Nexgear range and we think it’s going to be very popular thanks to its adaptability to patient needs, together with its performance.” For more information about Ottobock’s range of products and services, visit www.ottobock.co.uk
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
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Advertiser’s announcement
Reed is sole supplier of Podartis Acute Phase offloading shoes NEWS
REED Medical Limited is sole supplier to the UK of PODARTIS ACUTE PHASE OFFLOADING SHOES. Dr Camillo Buratto was the first to test and produce shoes for unloading the foot during the post-surgery treatment which is today considered the standard for post-operative shoes. This line of shoes is the result of years of experience in the medical field and continuous investments in research, development and testing to confirm their effectiveness. The Forefoot/Midfoot Off-loader The Podartis Forefoot/Midfoot Off-loader is suitable for digital and midfoot ulcers, fractures and lesions/ulcers of the forefoot. The biomechanical outsole and 22mm heel height allows for patients to quickly get back to normal life following injury or surgery. This unique product allows the patient to walk without crutches helping
to reduce rehabilitation time and allowing them to walk normally. The Forefoot Off-loader The Podartis Forefoot Off-loader was created for ulcers and pressures of the forefoot which require off-loading following surgery or injury. The eightdegree outsole with ankle dorsiflexion transfers the pressure to the rear foot. The forefoot off-loader shoes are clinically proven to provide extra stability without affecting the posture and reduce the “step effect” (Test IOR 2011-2012). The Heel Off-loader The Podartis Heel Off-loader uses the Podartis Teraheel for the offloading of
heel ulcers and bursitis, heel injuries and fractures. This shoe is clinically proven to allow complete offloading of the rear foot and comes complete with customisable soft PU off-loading insole (Test Novel 2007). The Stability Walker The Podartis Stabil D foot ankle walker is shown to be effective for the healing of diabetic plantar foot ulcers, ankle arthrodesis, distal corrective osteotomy, talus and heel fractures this is the most stable offloading shoe on the market. The removable insole allows for inclusion of our Modus insole with localised peg offloading or Zero insole which is
8 degree angle of ankle dorsiflexion or the patient’s own custom insole. This shoe is also suitable for tibiotarsal, subastragaloid arthrodesis, Charcot foot, corrective distal osteotomy, calcaneal fractures along with mid foot and forefoot ulcers. Reed Medical also offers a complete solution in the care of the diabetic foot with a comprehensive range of custom made and ‘off the shelf’ footwear together with a wide range of socks for the diabetic foot. Visit https://www.reedmedical.co.uk/ podartis-off-loading-acute-phase for further information or phone 01254 503333 for a copy of our catalogue.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
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M00689 P&O Magazine Avalon DPS Advertorial Iss1 AW.indd All Pages
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Redefining the chairside orthotic FOOT orthoses have been used for the management of lower-limb and foot pathologies since the 19th century1,2. Clinical studies have shown that orthotic devices encourage the normal function of the foot by dissipating kinetic forces during the stance phase of gait, incorporating elevated contact surfaces to correct poor biomechanics of the lower-limb, redistributing loads to adjacent foot structures through accommodative moulding3 and reducing plantar pressures in focal areas which is particularly important in diabetic patients4,5. Orthoses Types The most commonly used types of orthoses in clinical settings are: simple Insoles, custom-made and prefabricated or off the shelf orthoses. Simple Insoles are manufactured using a multi-layered approach, starting with a base, mid layer components and covering materials mainly using open and closed cell polyurethanes as well as leathers and viscoelastic polymers which provide local cushioning and minimal mechanical correction. Custom-made orthoses are devices manufactured from a foot impression either utilising traditional plaster of Paris casts or different scanning techniques. Devices are traditionally manufactured using more rigid materials such as Polypropylene or various densities of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) which provide pressure relief as well as more mechanical correction. Although in principle more accurate than off the shelf devices, their
accuracy will depend greatly on several factors which are independent of the prescribing clinician – not to mention the manufacturing time and potential inaccuracies with the finished device as well as the cost implications associated with their production making this not the most practical or cost effective choice of orthotic manufacture. Prefabricated or off the shelf orthoses are non-custom devices designed to provide a neutral base offering a standard degree of support, although they are not significantly corrective on their own. In conjunction with Slimflex components they can offer a similar degree of correction as custom made devices. Algeos launched the original “1st Phases6” chairside orthotic range in 1995, which facilitated the introduction of orthotic therapy, improving services by costs reduction and better user experience. Furthermore, clinical studies have shown no differences between softer prefabricated and rigid custom-made foot orthoses or between rigid custom-made foot orthoses and specific prefabricated foot orthoses7, 8 Intervention The timely introduction of orthotic devices can prevent further deterioration of structures and in turn prevent associated morbidity, benefiting not only individuals but society through effective prevention of ill health. Although the introduction of prefabricated orthotic devices with minimal or no orthotic correction could still benefit the patient, the right fitting of orthoses as
well as the educational support provided by clinicians is a deciding factor when looking at orthotic therapy concordance to treatment. The effectiveness and suitability of foot orthoses greatly depends on the prescribing clinician’s ability to understand and evaluate the mechanical and functional foot pathology as well as the appropriate selection of orthoses. A New Approach Over the past few years and partly due to financial reasons, many orthotic laboratories have been decommissioned, having a direct impact on orthotic technicians and prescribing clinicians that now rely on prefabricated foot orthoses. Considering that, Algeos the leading manufacturer of foot orthoses, is committed to the continual development of novel products as well as providing education and technical support to prescribing clinicians. In this vein, Algeos is preparing the relaunch of the original trusted chairside orthotic range, Slimflex. The new and improved Slimflex range offers neutral moulded EVA foam orthoses. These are designed for the addition of a new range of Slimflex ‘quick stick’ components changing a flat neutral non-corrective device into a semifunctional corrective foot orthotic in a matter of minutes. The new surface components and precut posting wedges for biomechanical correction increase speed for lower level pathologies, however, they do not replace traditional posting strips and orthotic
additions as required by the clinician for more advanced intervention. This approach to chairside orthotics allows for simple adaptions for less complex conditions, and provides the flexibility to customise prefabricated orthotics extensively to the level required by the patient, not as determined by what’s included in the insole pack. Algeos is passionate about this clinical approach to orthotic treatment and has invested heavily in product development and supporting education. In 2018 Algeos will be providing extensive chairside orthotic training throughout the UK. Visit www.algeos.com, follow us on facebook @AlgeosUK and twitter @ Algeos for further information. References 1. Roberts, P.W. 1915. The initial strain inweak foot: its mechanics and a new method of treatment. NY Med J 28: 441-1915. 2. Schuster, R.O. 1974. A history of orthopaedics in podiatry. JAPA 64: 332. 3.Lorimer, D.L., G.J. French., M. O’Donnell., J.G. Burrow and B. Wall. 2006. Neale’s Disorders of the Foot. 7th ed. EdinburghUK: Churchill Livinstong: 271-281. 4. Kato, H., T. Takada., T. Kawamurab., N. Hottac and S. Toriid. 1996. The reductionand redistribution of plantar pressures using foot orthoses in diabetic patients. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 3 (1): 115- 118. 5. Raspovic, A., L. Newcombe., J. Lloyd andE. Dalton. 2000 ‘Effect of Customized Insoles on Vertical Plantar Pressures in Sites of Previous Neuropathic Ulcerationin the Diabetic Foot’. The Foot. 10: 133-138. 6. http://www.1stphaseorthotics.com/orthotics/slimflex. 7. Payne, C. 2004. Comparison of Semi-rigid prefabricated foot orthoses and custom made foot orthoses. Department of Podiatry, School of Human Biosciences, La Trobe University,Melbourne, Australia. Algeos Research and Development 1-3. 8. Pfeffer, G., P. Bacchett., J. Deland andA. Lewis. 1999. Comparison of custom and prefabricated orthoses in the initialtreatment of proximal plantar fasciitis. Foot & Ankle International 20: 214-221.
New Chaneco Catalogue Brace helps to realign knee
CHANECO have launched their new Orthopaedics and Orthotics catalogue, featuring a refreshed range of products, including: n NEW Humeral Fracture Brace – a bi-valve thermoformable humeral orthosis which allows full ROM at the elbow for early physiotherapy n NEW Range of Motion Elbow Brace – one-size, non-slip brace with a breathable foam liner and telescoping struts for full adjustment from 13” to 17” n NEW Express Insoles range heat compression moulded EVA with supportive heel cup and arch support, designed by the makers of Formthotics n UPDATED Venum Hip – a universal soft hip abduction brace, with adjustable abduction / adduction and flexion / extension hinge
And many more! All products are available in stock for next day delivery. n Call 01604 709999 or email info@ chaneco.co.uk to request your copy today or to arrange a demo of any of our products.
THE TVS knee brace is designed to hold a medially or laterally unstable knee from moving into a painful position of deformity while the knee is in extension and weight bearing. While the patient is wearing the TVS Brace the knee will be realigned to its original gait and long term use will stop the knee from sagging to a more extreme position preventing the need for a surgical solution. The TVS has helped relieve arthritic knee pain to over 25,000 patients in the UK alone for over 40 years. n Varus (bow-legged) and Valgus (knock-kneed) deformation support. n Helps relieve arthritic knee pain. n NHS approved and clinically proven for over 40 years. n Easily attached and removed in seconds. n Ultra lightweight (200grams/8oz).
See the World in A New Dimension INNOVATION is critical to enabling the NHS to achieve the very tough objectives that have been set, and Beagle are excited to launch our latest product innovation to all those in the relevant field. We have worked closely with the “Innovations Team” at Musgrove Park to design and deliver the “Head UpTM Brace”; a daily living aid to assist those with motor neurone disease or other relatable diseases. Patients suffering with irreversible weakness of the posterior cervical spinal muscles are the ones that are going to benefit most from this product. Most of the current designs available are
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based on the concept of a collar, but neck weakness is only part of the condition and it is usually accompanied by weakening in the shoulder region and long back muscles. These can cause chafing of the skin under the chin and clavicles, whilst surgery is associated with a very high complication rate of, in excess of 30%. The Head Up BraceTM is a unique, non-surgical method that allows the patient to passively correct their chin on chest deformity, improve posture and comfortably hold the head in neutral position while preventing skin problems from occurring.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
n Greatly increase stability and security for the wearer. n Comfortable to wear and unobtrusive (can be worn under clothes). n Suitable for both legs.
For more information call 02380 643402, email sales@stclare-engineering.co.uk or visit www.tvskneebrace.co.uk
Prosthetics and orthotics graduate is ambassador for national campaign Felicity Carroll, 21, who recently graduated and is about to start work as a prosthetist and orthotist at the Queen Mary hospital in Roehampton, is one of a team of student and newly-qualified nurses and allied health professionals from across the country to have been recruited as ambassadors. They will spread the word about their professions, talk about their experiences and provide first-hand advice to those thinking about doing a nursing or AHP degree. The campaign, spearheaded by Health Education England, aims to encourage more students to study for degrees in nursing and the allied health professions. It will look to increase applications through Clearing 2018 and ahead of the UCAS applications deadline in January 2019. Felicity said: “I’m really proud to have been chosen as an ambassador for this exciting new campaign. “It’s vital that we inspire more young people who are choosing their future career paths to study these degrees and educate them on the huge range of opportunities that careers like prosthetics and orthotics offer.
“Not only does studying a degree like this make you highly employable, I secured my job around six months before I graduated, but it’s hugely rewarding – as a prosthetist and orthotist I get to make a real difference to people’s lives every day.” The campaign, which launched at the end of May and will run primarily across digital platforms, will put the spotlight on the benefits of these degrees and resulting careers, including: n A social purpose – the chance to make difference to people’s lives. n High graduate employment. n The opportunity to work anywhere in the UK. Margaret Rowe, Dean of the School of Health and Society at the University of Salford, said: “Felicity is one of many talented young people who have recently graduated from the University of Salford and are already embarking on new careers and making a real difference to people’s lives. “There are wonderful opportunities across the health service for a huge range of jobs in nursing and in the allied health professions, and I’d urge any young people thinking about their future career path to consider a degree in these subjects, which will make them highly employable as well as able to work anywhere in the UK.”
NEWS
A PROSTHETICS and orthotics graduate from the University of Salford has been chosen as an ambassador for a new national nursing and allied health profession recruitment campaign.
Powerchair wins fifth prestigious accolade WHILL Model C from TGA, the technological advanced powered wheelchair with cuttingedge transportability, style and manoeuvrability, has been awarded the acclaimed ‘Best of the Best’ Red Dot Design Award 2018. This latest achievement adds to the collection of accolades already achieved by WHILL Model C which includes a CES 2018 Innovation Award, If Design Award, International Design Excellence Award and Japan’s Good Design Award. Established in 1955, The Red Dot Award is one of the most sought after design awards in the world organised by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany. This year, more than 6,000 product applications from more than 59 countries were submitted and assessed by a panel of independent
and international jurors. These experts awarded a Red Dot to products with high design quality and submissions deemed the most ground-breaking received the ‘Best of the Best’ classification. WHILL Model C achieved this accolade within the healthcare category. Exclusively supplied by TGA in the UK, WHILL Model C provides the opportunity for wider independence both in terms of user demographic and accessibility. It can be dismantled into three lightweight components for transportation and its ‘Omni’ wheels provide the tightest feasible turning circle for ultimate versatility inside and out. Combined with touch-sensitive ‘mouse style’ steering, remote control App and streamlined aesthetics, the WHILL Model C delivers a new level of self-assurance and inclusion to people living with restricted mobility.
Charity makes a big difference to Phoebe’s life A WESTON-super-Mare-based charity has provided the final piece of funding needed to pay for a local girl to have a new all-terrain wheelchair.
brightens up every room she goes into, and we are so grateful to the Trust for their generous contribution, which will make a huge difference to Phoebe’s quality of life.
Seven-year-old Phoebe Small, from Weston, has global development delay. This affects her learning and movement skills, her ability to walk, and her interaction with other people.
“We used the wheelchair to take Phoebe to Weston Woods, and she absolutely loved it.” The Axentis Michael Charitable Trust started life as a small charity memorial to remember and honour the life of local hotelier Axentis Michael, who died in 2003. It raises and distributes funds to worthy causes in the surrounding area.
Her family wanted to get her a new all-terrain wheelchair, as this would be better suited to her needs and improve her quality of life. The chair costs £3,000 and friends and relatives have been rallying around helping to raise the money. Activities included a fund-raising event at Winscombe Community Centre, which was organised by Phoebe’s eight-year-old friend, Grace Henderson.
Phoebe Small in her new all-terrain wheelchair.
Overall, fund-raising efforts left Phoebe’s family about £1,000 short of their target. But the Weston-based Axentis Michael Charitable Trust has stepped in, with a £1,000 donation.
Phoebe’s mum, Charlotte, said: “With the support of the Axentis Michael Charitable Trust, we have been able to purchase an all-terrain wheelchair for Phoebe, which means we will be
Alex Demetriou from the Trust, said: “When we heard what a positive difference an all-terrain wheelchair would make to Phoebe, we were only too pleased to be able to fill in the funding gap.
able to enjoy more family days out, like going to the beach, which we have not been able to do with her current wheelchair. “She is such a happy, smiley girl and
“I hope Phoebe gets as much joy out of her wheelchair as we have in helping to provide it for her, and that she gets to enjoy even more quality family time which will make her smile even more.”
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
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