INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE ISSUE 99 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 £6.95

By Nicola HydeA PROSTHETIC hand that could cost lessthat £600 developed by a Bristol companyhas made the global finals of acompetition.The project – which uses rapid prototypingtechnology – has reached the global final ofthe Make it Wearable Competition, run byIntel.Joel Gibbard and Sammy Payne of OpenBionics, which is based in the incubator atthe Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL),submitted a video explaining their idea fora robotic prosthetic hand that will cost lessthan £600 to make. The team has already won $50,000 dollarsfor making it to the final - and as one ofonly ten finalists will fly to America formentoring and training to help them try toscoop the first prize of $500,000.Joel said: “This is a great opportunity for usto learn about product design and businessfrom experts at the incubation programmeat UC Berkeley in the US. Open Bionics isopen-source, which means that all of theknow-how needed to create a roboticprosthetic hand will eventually be postedon our website. The idea is that potentiallyanyone can improve and customise the

designs themselves, and then upload themfor everyone to share.”Open Bionics’ prosthetic hand offers muchof the functionality of a human hand. Ituses electric motors instead of muscles andsteel cables instead of tendons. 3D printedplastic parts work like bones and a rubbercoating acts as the skin. All of these partsare controlled by electronics to give it anatural movement that can handle all sortsof different objects.Joel added: “We've made some greatprogress. We've got the circuit boardsworking and controlling the motors, all thatneeds to be done now is a few moretweaks on the hand design and for thecode to be written. “I've enlisted the help of an embeddedsoftware developer that I work with at theBRL so we'll be working on this over thenext few weeks. The aim is to send out ourprototype hand before the end of the MakeIt Wearable competition and receive someuseful feedback on its performance.”Joel is also currently working on a minirobot hcand designed to work on smallhumanoid robots using a new flexiblematerial that is 3D printed in one piece andrequires very little assembly.

Prosthetic handreaches globalfinal of contest

Hundreds of competitors flockedto take part in the first everInvictus Games. More than65,000 watched 413 ‘woundedwarriors’ – many of them wereamputees – compete in nineadaptive sports. Launched byPrince Harry just six months ago,

the Invictus Games set out to usethe power of sport to inspirerecovery, support rehabilitationand generate a widerunderstanding and respect of allthose who serve their country.The Prince is pictured abovemeeting some of the competitors.

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www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk

A CLINIC in Birmingham has helpeda paralysed soldier run for the firsttime in seven years by creating him acustom bionic leg splint.

The private clinic in Minworth hashelped former Lance Corporal Jon LeGalloudec to run again by using thenew device from Ottobock.

Jon, 33, was left paralysed from thewaist down when a shot from anIraqi sniper struck him in the spineseven years ago while on a tour ofduty in Basra.

The bullet ripped through his gutand kidney and following a six houroperation he was flown toBirmingham's Selly Oak Hospital forfurther treatment.

He then spent months inrehabilitation and was told he wouldnever walk again. However, afterhard work in rehab he regainedsome movement in his legs beforeeventually learning to stand.

Jon, a Help for Heroes ambassador,was fitted with conventional splintsin 2010 but the devices did not fithim well and would cut and bruisehis legs, meaning he spent a lot oftime in his wheelchair. He was thenfunded by Help for Heroes to be thefirst to test out Momentum, whichworks by storing energy in the

carbon fibre frame. This energy isthen returned as the user steps,acting like a spring to support themovement.

Jon said: “I was told after my injurythat I would never walk again; nowwith the support of Help for Heroesand these amazing orthotics I‘m ableto do so much more which is anincredible feeling.”

The soldier has two of the deviceswhich are made from strong andlightweight carbon fibre material andslide into his shoes and round hislegs below the knee. He is now able

to stand up, walk tall, run and keephis balance for the first time in sevenyears.

Help for Heroes will continue toanalyse his progress in a bid toconvince the Government to fundother Servicemen or women whomay benefit from using the sameadvanced technology.

Kevin Green, orthotist at Ottobock’sprivate clinic in Minworth said: “It’sincredible to see how far Jon hascome on with our new orthotics. Heis walking stronger, his pain haseased and the smile on his face iswonderful to see. These devices arecustom made, they’re designed to fithim perfectly and provide him withthe support he needs on a daily basisand we look forward to seeing himgo from strength to strength.”

Ottobock’s private clinic and servicefabrication facility in Minworth nearBirmingham opened its doors lastyear. The flagship private clinicalfacility in the Midlands providesservices in prosthetics, orthotics andhigh definition silicone, including afull onsite fabrication department.

The product, Momentum, is nowavailable privately through therecently opened Minworth clinic toall suitable UK patients.

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A NEW clinical director has been appointed atTalarmade. Simon Dickinson was clinical lead fororthotics at Nottingham University Hospitals NHSTrust for more than six years before joining the team.Talarmade managing director Ian Leddy said: “Wehave, for some considerable time, been progressing‘quietly’ with a high number of projects spanningmany disciplines and areas of product supply.“It is our intention to expand our operations to makea significant impact on existing and new marketswith clinical programmes and new product streamswhich Simon is perfectly placed to help us achievegiven his vast experience and knowledge.”Talarmade’s Business Development Team will also bestrengthened by the addition of Emma Cook who willjoin Barry Emms, Michael Aherne and Steven Lardner(Silipos European Business Manager).

By Nicola Hyde

A SIX-year-old boy is makinga splash with his new wateractivity limb that lets himplay in swimming pools andswim independently.

Rio Woolf was fitted with thewater activity limb by DorsetOrthopaedic and it is fullysubmersible, waterproof leg.

Rio was born without ashinbone, knee or ankle joint(a one-in-a-million conditioncalled Tibial Aplasia), whichnecessitated his lower rightleg being amputated throughthe knee when he was just14 months old.

Rio’s Mum Juliette said: “Rio’swater activity limb has givenhim the freedom andindependence that he hasalways wanted and that all

children should have.

“He can now have the samefun as his friends and has thefreedom to enjoy the waterin a way he couldn’t before.

“For years I have had to pushRio’s wheelchair right up tothe poolside and then lift himdown into the water or helphim hop over from the lockerroom to the pool. It isamazing to me to be able towatch my son get out of thepool himself and walktowards me at the end of hisswimming lesson.”

Rio can already swimconfidently at level threewithout a prosthesis as heregularly attends swimminglessons but he previouslycouldn’t jump in and climbout of the pool unaided.

Rio’s Prosthetist, MatthewHughes, added a shellcovering to the limb’s carbonfibre foot so that Rio canwear shoes with theprosthesis.

Matthew said: “The mostimportant aspect of Rio’swater activity limb is that itreduces restrictions andassists Rio to do what helikes to do.

“Now he has theindependence to get into aswimming pool himself andhe no longer has to worryabout his prosthesis gettingwet.

“Activity specific limbs arecrucial in providing patientswith the solutions andfreedom to participate in asmany different activities thatthey wish to do.”

New role for SimonSimon Dickinson

New-found freedom for Rio Woolf.

New independencefor water boy Rio

Therapists vote for strike actionA ROW over fair pay in the NHS has promptedoccupational therapists to vote yes for strikeaction in a UNISON ballot.

The British Association of Occupational Therapistsreported that 68 per cent of those ballotedagreed to take part in a strike, with 88 per cent saying they would take part inaction ‘short of strike action’.

The ballot is part of UNISON’s campaign forbetter pay following a drop in real-term salary levels of 8-12% since 2010 and no above-

inflation pay rise since 2009.

It is proposed that UNISON members will takestrike action and action short of strike overautumn and winter 2014.

This is likely to start with a short stoppagefollowed by a defined form of action short ofstrike such as insisting that members take theirbreaks.

There are 10 unions balloting in the NHS over payand UNISON will now be coordinating with themover the date and type of action will be taken.

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A COMPANY that is passionateabout British manufacturing hasgrown to export to over 40 countrieswith a staff team of almost 200.

Promedics was formed over 30 yearsago and has become one of theleading UK manufacturers oforthopaedic products to the NHS.

Managing director David Baxendalesaid: “We are extremely proud of ourheritage and unwaveringcommitment to Britishmanufacturing.

“Thanks to the loyalty of ourcustomers we have now grown toemploying almost 200 people in theUK, with the vast majority of thosebeing manufacturing jobs. Over 75per cent of the products we sell aremanufactured in our own UKproduction facility and we are veryproud that we are the only Britishcompany who can claim anythinglike that figure.

“Ten years ago many companieswere abandoning British workers tooutsource products from China; wetook a decision to do the oppositeand invest in our existing UK

manufacturing capacity. Thatdecision, with hindsight, wasabsolutely the right one.

“In today’s modern NHS, manyhospitals carry much less stock, andrely on high levels of service. To dothat with low quality imports, whichcan have a three-month lead time, isextremely difficult, but becausePromedics manufacture most of ourproducts, we can change ourproduction easily to ensure wealways have stock and meet ourcustomers needs, on time, everytime.”:

Promedics also have a Bespoke / R&Ddepartment at their UKmanufacturing facility.

David said: “Working with ourcustomers and understanding theirneeds is something Promedics havedone for many years. That’s why we have people permanentlydedicated to bespoke customizedcustomer requests. High Service and quality British manufacturing will continue to be the foundation of Promedics in the future, just as it has been for over 30years.”

Growing company proudof its British heritage

Tall shipreturnsto LondonA TALL ship built for disabled peoplehas returned to London after a twoyear journey around the world.The accessible ship called Lord Nelsonwas created by the Jubilee SailingTrust (JST) for the epic Norton RoseFulbright Sail the World Challenge.Lord Nelson set sail fromSouthampton in September 2012,where she sailed across the AtlanticOcean carrying the Olympic Torch toRio de Janeiro, Brazil. From here shehas sailed to South Africa, avoidedpirates as she crossed the IndianOcean to Kochi, India, enjoyed awarm Australian welcome when shetook part in the International FleetReview in Sydney Harbour, and wasthe first mixed ability vessel to sailaround the infamous Cape Horn insouthern Chile, in February this year.The 55-metre tall ship is one of onlytwo fully accessible tall ships in theworld and is sailed by both disabledand able-bodied crew.Features such as braille signage,wheelchair lifts between decks andhearing loops, hand rails and abowsprit wide enough toaccommodate a wheelchair, mean alarge variety of physical disabilitiescan be accommodated on board.

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New insurancepolicy protectsprosthetic limbsA COMPANY has launched a newspecialist insurance policy that protectspeople’s prosthetic limbs and orthoticdevices.Disability specialist Fish Insurance haslaunched the pioneering policy designedspecifically to protect against accidentaldamage or loss.Offering annual premiums from £99, itcovers as standard, devices valued up to£55,000, with bespoke protectionavailable for those worth more.John Garrard, MD of Fish, said: “Many ofthose working in the assistivetechnologies field will be aware thatwhilst amputees will typically be fittedwith NHS owned prosthetics, lots willalso choose to go private, either for amore comfortable or effective device or acomplementary limb designed to helpthem tackle specific activities. “Such specialist prosthetics can representa significant investment, running intothousands or tens of thousands ofpounds. It’s these that need protectingthrough effective insurance.”The policy offers worldwide cover and forprosthetics including new-for-oldsettlements for prosthetics less than twoyears old. Other benefits include £2mthird party liability insurance hospitalbenefit, personal accident and assaultcover.

Artificial ankles’research takes turnin new directionENGINEERS at Drexel Universityhave turned research into artificialankles in a new direction bystudying the Talus bone.Sorin Siegler, PhD, a mechanicalengineer at Drexel is hoping torealign thinking surrounding one ofthe busiest orthopedic intersectionsin the body.It all started about three years agowhen Siegler was attempting tomake a cast of the outside of thetalus bone – the pivot bone of thethree that make up the ankle.He said: “We did a number of CTscans of the ankle, slicing it in tosmall sections and then used acomputer program to make a three-dimensional model of the talus. “The project was to replicate theouter shape of the bone so that itcould be used in anklereplacements.”Siegler found that the slices of theinner part of the ankle – the medialside – were larger in diameter than

the slices on the outer – lateral –side. While the significance of theobservation didn’t immediatelystrike him, when he looked at the3-D models it became increasinglyobvious that something was off.One thing that modern ankleresearch, including Siegler’s, hasshown, is that the ankle axis is farfrom fixed. Siegler’s modeling hasdemonstrated that the coronalplane of the talar dome – the top ofthe ankle bone that connects withthe leg – has a saddle-likeindentation. This explains how theleg-to-ankle connection allows thefoot to rotate on a flat plane, aswell as pronating and supinating –that is, landing on the outside orinside part of the foot whenwalking.He said: “Artificial anklereplacement operations have beenperformed for less than a decade,there is still plenty of room forimproving the technology and this

could be a big part of thatimprovement.”The next steps for this researchcould help people withdegenerative ankle problems, likearthritis, take their next steps.Having a better understanding forthe shape and movement of thebones in the ankle will allow for amore accurate fabrication of jointreplacements and, as a result, amore natural walking motion forpeople who use them.Siegler’s team is in the process ofmaking an ankle implant withsurface geometry that follows hishypothesis. In the coming monthsthey will put a 3D-printed replicateof a state-of-the-art prosthesis upagainst a Siegler-designed prototypein a series of biomechanical tests –that include implanting bothprosthetics in a cadaver ankle to seewhich produces a more naturalankle movement.

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By Nicola Hyde

A SOLDIER has been fitted with aone-of-a-kind prosthetic leg afterworking with his prosthetist foralmost three years to develop it.

Army combat engineer EdwardLychik lost most of his left leg andpart of his right while he was onduty in 2011.

His prosthetist Bob Kuenzi at theCenter for the Intrepid in SanAntoni, USA said on his firstmeeting with Edward he told himhe wanted to run but Bob wasconcerned as hip disarticulationinjuries like Lychik's, in which thepelvis is still in place but the leg iscompletely gone, can be difficult todeal with, managing to run a fewsteps but nothing like the grandscale that Edward had planned.

For the first few months theydeveloped a high-tech,microprocessor-controlled knee andmicroprocessor-controlled hip and agood walking foot.

But about six months into theprocess of trying to come up with a

running prosthesis, Edward beganhaving problems with his walkingprosthesis. His body was changingbecause, unknown to Bob, he hadbeen working out all of themuscles that he thought would benecessary for him to runsuccessfully.

“He was telling me more and morethat he wanted to run,” Bob said.“Another thing he said was, 'Weneed to find some materials youcan get wet and muddy, becauseI’m going to be doing that kind ofthing.”

"Once we got that new socketfitted, the idea was to duplicate itand then start making a runningprosthesis. It really came to a pointin August 2012, that we got thatsocket working pretty well, and Edwas getting more and more intenseabout it. Finally it came out that hehad a 'Tough Mudder' that hewanted to run that was in, like, thefirst weekend of October."

Tough Mudder is a 10-mile military-grade obstacle course based on aconcept designed by the British

Special Forces. The race involvesrunning through a field with livewires, plunging into freezing water,climbing a half-pipe slicked withmud and grease and scaling a 12-foot wall.

The first invention of the newprosthesis, like the walking leg, hada hip and knee joint. With theprosthesis in place, Kuenzi andWhite hooked Lychik up in aharness that runs along a track ofabout 40 feet, part of the trainingapparatus for people learning touse leg prostheses.

"He was able to do some runningon that, but it was pretty obviousthat that setup wasn't going towork because it was too unstable,"Bob said. "First we took the kneeout and just made it a straight leg,and then eventually took the hipjoint out, too, and bolted the pylonto the socket. That really lookedkind of like a pogo stick, andfunctioned like one, too.

"He'd have to swing it out to theside to clear the ground. And allthis time he's having to use his core

muscles, his abdomen and hisupper body to stabilize his trunkand move it, do a pelvic tilt everystep.

"What really amazed me about hisprogress was that within a week ofgetting this leg, he ran a mile in,like, nine minutes. To me, that'sunheard of. I asked him, and hesaid he'd been doing super sets -he'd trained himself with power-lifting strategies with his good leg,his torso and his arms. There wasnobody here who was pushinghim. He totally did it on his own,and he was ready."

A few weeks later, when they wereon the third or fourth version ofthe prosthesis, Lychik ran the ToughMudder in the Texas hill countryoutside Austin. He was on a teamwith the Wounded Warrior Project,several of whom were amputees,and they helped one another overthe obstacles.

Earlier this year, Edward, nowmedically retired from the Army,competed in the Boston Marathon,finishing the race in 4:44:25.

Edward’s one-of-a-kind prostheticleg took three years to develop

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Company builds on success with new product

MESSAGES pour in from amputeesseeking prostheses and frommedia outlets pursuing interviews.Then there are students looking tojoin Herr’s research group. An amputee himself, Herr hasbeen designing (and wearing)bionic leg prostheses that mimicthe functions and power ofbiological knees, ankles, andcalves.He made headlines after providingone of his protheses to AdrianneHaslet-Davis, a professional dancerwhose leg was partially amputatedafter the 2013 Boston Marathonbombings. She used it to rumbaon stage.Most of these prostheses havereached the world through Herr’sstartup, BiOM (originally callediWalk). Since 2010, the companyhas brought the world’s first bionicfoot-and-calf system to more than900 patients worldwide, includingsome 400 war veterans.Initially developed by Herr’sresearch group, BiOM’s prosthesis,dubbed the BiOM T2 System,simulates a biological ankle (andconnected calf muscle), deliveringa “natural ankle function” duringstrides.Using battery-powered “bionic

propulsion,” two microprocessorsand six environmental sensorsadjust ankle stiffness, power,position, and damping thousandsof times per second, at two majorpositions: First, at heel strike, thesystem controls the ankle’sstiffness to absorb shock andthrust the tibia forward. Then,algorithms generate fluctuatingpower, depending on terrain, topropel a wearer up and forward.Hugh said: “Often, withinminutes, a patient is walkingaround, even running around.”Hugh lost both legs after a 1982climbing accident and beganresearching the deficiencies ofconventional prostheses andmathematically modeling how theankle joint operates while walkingin the 1990s.Herr’s experience commercializinga computer-controlled knee joint— designed by his group for theIcelandic company Ossur —inspired him to launch iWalk in2006. The knee, now used bythousands of patients worldwide,utilizes iron particles suspended inoil between steel plates andmanipulated by an electro-magnetic field to either stiffen orrelax during a wearer’s gait.

“I’m always thinking aboutminimizing the time andinvestment to get from bench tobedside,” Herr says. At leastamong amputees, Herr says, BiOMcould help by fitting elderlypopulations with leg prosthesesequal in biomechanical agility andcontrol to a young adult’s legs.By advancing prostheses, Herrsays, the technology could alsolead to innovation in a closelyrelated field: humanoid robotics.“Imagine a future where we’ll

have bionic feet, ankles, knees,and hips that are technologicallyoptimal. One could just bolt thesepieces together to produce ahumanoid hardware platform,”Herr said.“As we march into this century,technology is going to get moreintimate with our bodies. “The bionic design approach isgrounded in biological science thatseeks to fundamentally understandhow our bodies and brains work,and translates that knowledge intotechnology that reflects thoseprinciples, leading to a worldwhere technology, because it is soinnately human, essentiallyvanishes.”

These days, Hugh Herr, an associate professor of media arts and sciences at MIT, gets about 100emails daily from people across the world interested in his bionic limbs. Nicola Hyde reports.

Hugh’s bionic limbscreating a stir ...

Pictures: Bryce Vickmark

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By Nicola Hyde

A COMPANY that makes artificialbone used by orthopaedic surgeonsis expecting to see a £1millionturnover after growth.

Ceramisys manufactures ReproBone,which is used as a synthetic bonegraft material in over 50 countriesworldwide. The product, whichcomes in block, granular or pasteform, is used instead of, or tosupplement, a patient’s own bone in

orthopaedic and dental surgery.

Last year Ceramisys moved to apurpose-built facility inHillsborough, Sheffield, where it iscarrying out new product researchand looking to take on more staff.

Wayne said: “The main advantagesof the ReproBone products are thatpatients don’t need to have asecond operation site to collectbone to fill the defect, so it takesaway the risk and trauma associated

with that. From the surgeon’s pointof view it is easy to use andavailable in unlimited quantities.

“Being recognised by opinionleaders in the orthopaedic anddental fields is extremely importantin order to compete with the bigmultinationals and increase ourglobal market share.”

Ceramisys was founded in 2001 byWayne Austin, a former SheffieldUniversity chemistry graduate. The

company’s first product gained itsregulatory approval in 2003, withthe full product range nowapproved for use in most countries.

ReproBone is used to repair bone insurgical procedures, including non-healing fractures, defects caused byremoval bone tumours, revision hipreplacements and deformities. Thematerial helps regenerate the boneand within a few months it isbroken down and replaced by newhealthy bone.

Artificialbonemakerexpecting£1millionturnover

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A DEVON teenager says her lifehas been changed by a specialistsuit developed by DM Orthotics.

Chloe Sharland, 16, wasdiagnosed with Scoliosis at 11and has been using the DMOStructural Scoliosis Suit for aboutthree years.

She said: “I have strength andenergy and can get on with mylife. Before, I couldn’t dress or liftthings. Wearing the suit meant Icould become more independentand I feel that I have morecontrol over my condition. I canachieve what I want to now. Mycondition doesn’t dominate mylife – it doesn’t define who I am.”

Chloe’s parents found out aboutDM Orthotics through a friendwho recommended the companyto them.

Chloe’s mum, Jo, added: “At thetime there was very littleinformation available about thecondition. We saw a spinalsurgeon and were told that therewere no alternative treatmentsand that surgery would be theonly option once Chloe got older.

“We found out about DMOrthotics and got in contact. The

Scoliosis Suit has had an amazingeffect on Chloe’s life. It wasamazing to see the pain leave herface when she was supported bythe suit. She now leads a reallyactive lifestyle.”

The suits patented design worksusing strategically placedpanelling which produce counter-rotational and lateral forces,which re-align the body to amore symmetrical position, andimprove biomechanicaleffectiveness.

Managing Director of DMOrthotics, Martin Matthews said:“Chloe has Idiopathic Scoliosisand had a 50° curve which madeher a fairly complicated case. Weused a Scoliosis Suit which wouldprevent the progression of thecurve in her spine and alsoreduced the rotation. The resultshave been fantastic.”

Martin Matthews has co-writtena research paper with compellingnew evidence which indicate thepositive outcomes of using thesuits to treat scoliosis. Martinpresented his findings at thisyears’ SOSORT Conference heldin Wiesbaden, Germany earlierthis year.

Suit changes Chloe’s life

Chloe on a zip wire and playing with her pet dog.

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AN AMPUTEE prepared for histriathlon debut by not just physicallytraining – but making sure hisprosthetic limbs fit the part too.

Above-the-knee amputee GlennJohnstone, 46, from Stanley, wasalready a keen cyclist but decided toexpand into a triathlon.

He said: “I have to admit that as anamputee, the thought of swimming,cycling and then running didn’tsound that enticing, but I’m alwaysup for a challenge.”

He took part in the Dorney Lake TriFestival in Buckinghamshire, butdespite the fact that he had acustom-made cycling prothesis – hewas worried about the runningelement of the challenge.

He said: “For the run I was going tohave to use my everyday walkingleg, which simply isn’t designed orset up for jogging on.

“My residual limb was really sorefrom the run. Well, it was more of awalk and skip really but I was elated

by the reception I received as Icrossed the finish line.”

Glenn has been working with thePace Rehabilitation in Cheadle, wholinked him up with a charity calledThe ArcticONE Foundation, whichfundraises to provide sportsequipment to disabled people.

ArcticONE founder Matt Kirby said:“We’re currently raising money tofund a running blade prosthesis forhim from Pace, which should reallyhelp him out.”

How Glenn rose to thetriathlon challenge

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By Nicola Hyde

A PROSTHETIC and orthotic supplierhas worked to raise thousands ofpounds to help transform the livesof disabled children in Zanzibar.

Liverpool-based Algeos has teamedup with industry partners to donatepodiatry, prosthetic and orthoticproducts for children with clubfoot, in Zanzibar up to 50 babiesper month are born with their feetturned inwards and upwards.

A spokesman said: “Withouttreatment these children are onlyable to crawl for the rest of theirlives. If babies are treated soonafter birth, it is possible to

transform their lives with a lowcost, high impact clinicalintervention to re-align their feetwith a method called the Ponsetitechnique.

“The Ponseti Method uses a gentle,manual manipulation of the foot,followed by application of toe-to-groin plaster casts.”

After the initial meeting betweenAlgeos and Infant Club FootAppeal, it became clear that inorder to set up a functionalOrthotic and Prosthetic workshop,Algeos needed to help furnish theworkshop and supply a hugeamount of products ranging from

footwear, right up to orthopaedicbracing.

Algeos rallied round the UKOrthotic and Prosthetic industry andmanaged to source over thousandsof pounds worth of equipment andquality products; all of which isrequired to develop the Orthoticand Prosthetic workshop inZanzibar.

The shipment of an entireworkshop with modern equipmentand materials left Liverpool inAugust – its final destination will bethe Mnazi Mmoja Hospital Zanzibar.

Algeos CEO Hugh Sheridan added:‘‘We take great pride in our

corporate social responsibilityduties; this ensures everyone feelsbetter – it is not just about gettinghealthcare products to the oneswho can afford it but to those whoneed it the most.’’

Various other companies signed upto help with the appeal includingOrtho Europe (Bradford),Blatchfords (Sheffield), Ken HallFootwear (Kettering), Alder HeyChildren’s Hospital (Liverpool),Renace Orthotics (Sheffield),Royal Berkshire Hospital (Reading),Salts Techstep (Birmingham),King Mill Hospital (Sutton-In-Ashfield), and Langer Orthotics(Stone).

Industry partnersteam up to helpchildren in Zanzibar

Society calls for equalaccess to occupationaltherapy servicesEQUAL access to occupationaltherapy services should be givenacross the board in the UK accordingto the society that represents OTs.The College of OccupationalTherapists submitted a number ofresponses to the Commission onResidential Care which has publishedits final report following a year-longinvestigation.The Commission’s recommendationsset out a new vision for the 21stcentury including a residential care‘rebrand’ in a bid to shake off itsnegative image.Karin Tancock, Professional Advisorfor Older People and Long-TermConditions said: “This report comesat a time of major social care reformin England and it’s imperative wedon’t leave housing with carebehind. Housing with care deserves

our immediate attention and olderand disabled people deserve to havethe best possible care which meetstheir needs, and aspirations. “Occupational therapists’ are expertsin helping people to be asindependent as possible while livingwith a disability, dementia and othercomplex conditions; however theirskills are widely under-utilised inhousing with care settings. “We therefore strongly welcome theCommission’s call for equal access tooccupational therapy and otherhealth services, as someone living intheir own home. “We look forward to working furtherwith the Commission to shapegovernment policy and applyoccupational therapy skills andexpertise to implement theserecommendations.”

Festival showcases mostadvanced technologiesA MED-TECH expo with adifference took place as part of a businessfestival that showcasedthe most advancedtechnologies when dealing with a simulatedcycling injury.

Leeds MetropolitanUniversity hosted theevent in its new state-of-the art clinicalsuite and took an ‘injured’ professionalcyclist through vitalchecks in A&E, into theclinical skills suite for acomplex intubation,surgery and subsequentphysiotherapy andrehabilitation.

Participants included RSLSteepe and SurgicalInnovations.

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Supplierlaunchingnew rangeCONSCIOUS of the difficultiesexperienced in obtainingcomfortable, well-fitting socksfollowing partial foot amputation,Reed Medical are pleased to launchthe ‘Chopart’ socks, within ourClassic and Half-Plushed range.The proven comfort of the Classicand Half Plushed socks,incorporating the benefits of elasticfree construction with loop cuff andhand linked toes is now available inthe Chopart range.Individual sizing reduces the potentialhazard caused by excess materialapplying pressure on ‘at risk’ areas ofthe foot when wearing standard sizesocks.Supplied in a wide range of footlengths 11cm to 21cm, and worn inconjunction with our standard sizeson the non-affected foot, theChopart sock ensures a custom fitfor the wearer. Available in Black,Navy and Beige in 2 pair packs (1pair standard, 1 pair Chopart). For more information contact REEDMedical Ltd, Shadsworth BusinessPark, Blackburn. BB1 2QQ. Tel 01254503333 Fax 01254 503360. www. admin@reedmedical.co.uk

A TEENAGE athlete has switchedsports and aims to become oneof the fastest paralympicsprinters in the UK.

Julie Rogers, 15, from Bedfordtook part in the 2012Paralympics as the youngestmember on the Team GB SittingVolleyball squad but hasconfirmed her switch toathletics.

Julie was born with a congenital

disorder had an operation toshorten her leg when she wasfive. Julie has been testing theOttobock 3S80 knee system.

She said: “When I first got thenew leg I realised the differencealmost immediately, and havekept training to try and get mytime lower and lower ever since.I’m dedicated to getting to the2016 Paralympic Games in Rio,and will work as hard as I can toget there.”

Julie swaps volleyballfor sprint ambition

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A NEW biomechanics suite which isset to further improve podiatry carefor patients has been opened atKendray Hospital in Barnsley. The suite, run by South WestYorkshire Partnership NHSFoundation Trust, helps thepodiatry team to diagnose andmanage problems of the foot andlower limb.The Burston Suite means newmachines have been installed tohelp create more bespoke insolesfor patients – in many cases whilethey wait. The team is able toshape insoles and create plastercast impressions of the feetmeaning that the insoles aretailored to meet each patient’sindividual need. The suite has several consultingrooms and a designated area forthe team to undertake walkinganalysis which includes observation

of the knees, hips and foot. Thenew assessment area means thatpatients are treated in a one-to-oneprivate space, helping to maintaindignity and safety. Bob Senior, community servicesmanager – therapy services said:“The opening of the newsurroundings mean we are nowable to offer an increase in capacityand patient turnaround, helping toreduce the time from referral totreatment. “In addition to it being in a morecentral location, the new facilitiesalso enable the Trust to developother services alongside therapycolleagues – helping to improve thepatient experience even further.”The Trust’s podiatry team alsoprovide health promotion andeducation to patients, healthprofessionals and carers on avariety of foot health issues.

New biomechanics suite aimsto improve podiatry care

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A GROUP of podiatrists from theWirral have won a settlement in theirdispute over a podiatry servicereview.

Staff working for Wirral CommunityHealth Services have been in disputefor nine months – with members ofthe Society of Podiatrists andChiropodists taking strike action inJune.

It was prompted by the fact thateight Band 6 staff were due to bedownbanded to Band 5, carrying outthe same work and that the Band 6job descriptions had been rewrittento include high risk work that hadpreviously been carried out by Band7’s.

Arthur Richardson, employmentrelations officer, said: “Throughmonths of negotiations, the strikeand culminating in talks under theauspices of ACAS, our membershave shown magnificent resolve,standing together with adetermination not to allow £7,000pay cuts happen to them and theircolleagues.

“The final talks with an ACASconciliator present resulted in dealthat the union could recommend tothe members and they have votedoverwhelmingly to accept.

“The deal means that there will beno downbanding of staff who do notwish to be so.

“We also won an extensive andtransparent rolling programme offunded training for those nowexpected to undertake high risk workwith diabetic patients and the Trustwill pay for DSB checks for thosepromoted back into Band 6positions.

“Through standing up forthemselves, our members won backfive wte Band 6 jobs from theoriginal position proposed by theTrust and the outcome means thatno member will be financiallydisadvantaged without their consent.In the current climate, this can onlybe characterised as a victory and themembers on the Wirral have showntrue inspiration and leadership toothers facing similar threats to theirservice and livelihoods.”

Podiatrists win asettlement in disputeover service review

A FREE e-learning programme hasbeen developed to help podiatristsunderstand diabetes.

Diabetes UK, in partnership withBupa, has created Diabetes inHealthcare, after statistics revealedthat there are over 6,000 leg, foot or toe amputations carried out every year on people withdiabetes in England – but there isevidence that up to 80 per cent ofdiabetes-related amputations couldbe avoided.

Simon O’Neill, Director of HealthIntelligence and Professional Liaisonat Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes hasan impact on so many aspects of aperson’s care that it is essential thatall healthcare professionals thattouch the lives of people withdiabetes understand the symptoms,treatment and complications

associated with the condition.

“Failure to treat and careappropriately for patients withdiabetes increases the risk of life-changing complications associatedwith diabetes such as stroke,blindness, kidney failure andamputation.”

Written by Diabetes UK’s team ofclinicians and diabetes specialists, the course covers both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

It includes expert information onhow the condition is diagnosed,treated and monitored, andsymptoms to look out for in thosewho may have diabetes but are yetto be diagnosed.

Paula Franklin, UK Medical Director,Bupa, said: “We have developed thisprogramme in partnership with

Diabetes UK as we recognise thechallenge that diabetes presentsacross the health care community,from retinal screeners to care homeassistants.

“In addition, the number of peoplewith diabetes continues to rise andhaving access to all the necessaryinformation at the right time can bedifficult.

“The training healthcare workersreceive via ‘Diabetes in Healthcare’can form part of their NHS KSF(knowledge and skills framework) orbe a foundation for any healthcareprofessional who may want to go onto specialise in diabetes later in theircareer.”

‘Diabetes in Healthcare’ can beaccessed for free atwww.diabetesinhealthcare.co.uk.

Programme to helpunderstand diabetes

Simon O’Neill, Director of HealthIntelligence and Professional Liaison atDiabetes UK

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THE unique range of CDS (ControlledDynamic Stretch) braces forextension and flexion contracturesfrom Brace Orthopaedic offer adynamic solution in a stock brace. The full range of paediatric elbow,knee and ankle braces for the

treatment of orthopaedic andneurological joint contractures arenow available in blue, pink, greenand orange.Bespoke options are also available. sales@braceorthopaedic.co.ukTel: 0191 258 8944

Campaignbid toreducewait timeA BRITISH start-up company haslaunched a crowd-fundingcampaign to develop 3-Dprinted orthotics for disabledchildren.Andiamo wants to raise£60,000 to use digital printingtechnology to reduce waitingtime for paediatric orthoticsfrom 13 weeks to 48 hours, itsaid on its website.If the funding bid is successful,the cash will be used to designprototypes and test its 3-Dprinted products in realpatients. The company wasfounded by Naveed and SamiyaParvez after their son Diamopassed away on his ninthbirthday because ofcomplications from cerebralpalsy.The crowd-funding appeal said:“Andiamo is building a servicewith children and families toreduce wait times from sixmonths to just a few days forback braces, hand splints, andankle foot orthoses. Using 3Dscanning and printing we cannot only make them quickly butalso increase qua lity.“3D printing and scanningallows amazing and beautifuldesigns but these requirefurther research to make themsuitable for multipleconditions.”If the fund-raising is successful,the cash will cover the clinicaland production costs ofworking with three families forone year, creating 18 workingorthoses with them over thattime.

THE College of Podiatry is delighted tobe returning to Bournemouth for itsAnnual Conference and Exhibition andexpects to welcome over 1,300podiatrists through its doors. This year’s conference programmeoffers an unpresidented line up ofrenowned keynote speakers, specialistconcurrent sessions and hands-onworkshops designed to meet thetraining and learning needs of anyoneand everyone working in podiatry.Highlights include Dr Phil Hammond,Comedian, GP and Private Eye’smedical correspondent, Dr ScottWearing, Associate Professor from theUniversity of Technology, Australia,Professor Keith Rome from AUTUniversity in New Zealand, Dr David DeBerker, Consultant Dermatologist,

Bristol Royal Infirmary, Professor MarkNixon, Professor of Computer Vision,University of Southampton, Dr TonyBerendt, Deputy Medical Director,Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust,Professor Chris Bunker, ConsultantDermatologist, University CollegeLondon Hospitals NHS FoundationTrust.In addition, there will be many otherleading experts delivering essentialclinical skills, learning updates, newideas and issues for discussion anddebate covering all areas of podiatrythat can be taken back into theworkplace, and shared with colleaguesand other podiatry professionals.As well as an excellent scientific andclinical programme, the conference willalso offer delegates the opportunity to

network, relax, socialise and have funat evening social events including aQuiz Night and the ever popularConference Dinner and Party whichthis year, will take on a James Bond,Casino Royale theme at BournemouthPavilion Ballroom.With the largest podiatry exhibition inEurope featuring over 80 exhibitors,the Annual Conference maintains itsposition as the must attend event inthe podiatry calendar and continues tooffer best means of obtaining valuableCPD credits, learning updates andexcellent networking opportunities allin one place!

� If you’d like further details on theconference please check the website atwww.scpconference.com

Conference makes Bournemouth return

A MOBILITY show which took a yearout has announced its return nextyear.

The Mobility Roadshow took time out in 2014 to evaluate the event –but after consultation with visitorsand exhibitors charity Mobility Choice announced the show willreturn in June 2015 at DoningtonPark.

A spokesman said: “The event willreturn to its core focus on accessiblemotoring, whether for drivers orpassengers.

“It will provide the all-important testdrive facility on the circuit atDonington Park in adapted standardproduction cars and wheelchair-accessible models.”

Mobilityshow readyto return

New Ossur productdesigned to addressthe challenges

BEAGLE Orthopaedic houses a largespinal database of spinal models tosuit a variety of patients. From thisextensive library we can manufactureyour CTLSO using measures providedfrom a simple measurement chart,we then adapt the relevant model tomeet the specification.

Each orthosis is fabricated to thepatient’s unique model and yourspecifications, ensuring the optimumfit, support and comfort. A transferpattern can be applied to brace (ifrequired). CTLSO’s are available as;bi-valve design finished tocompletion (no intermediate fitting)with a variety of liners such as coolfoam, north foam 33®, evazote®and lambs wool.

The TLSO is then coupled withcomponents from the innovativeAspen CTO to provide stabilityrequired for your patient in theupper thoracic and cervical region.This design offers a step-down

reduction for on-going rehabilitationtherapy offering a highly effectivemotion restriction with a level ofcomfort that makes it well toleratedby patients. Available in paediatricand adult sizes, the CTLSO can bedelivered in 3 days (or less forurgent/trauma cases).

Please contact Customer Service formeasurement chart 01254 268788.

CUSTOM CTLSO

OSSUR’s newest liner, TheIceross Seal-in X TF, hasbeen designed specificallyto address the challengesfaced by a large number ofpeople with transfemoralamputations.For many, various pressurepoints and residual limbshape causes problemswhen wearing a suctionsuspension liner. The IcerossSeal-In® X TF features thelatest advances in Seal-intechnology, with a separateand moveable seal to suitindividual needs.The Seal-In X TF is thinner,tougher, and longer with amoveable Seal Ring. The

moveable Seal Ring allowsthe user to adjust theposition of the seal awayfrom sensitive areas, or toallow for volumefluctuations whilstmaintaining the benefits of Seal-Insuspension. The thinnerdistal end eases donningand compliance to residuallimb shape whilst the longerlength accommodateslonger residual limbs.Ultimately, the cover is five times more durablethan previous versions,ensuring the liner canwithstand even the mostdemanding situations.

Unique range offering dynamicsolution in a stock brace

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