Ian Adam
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Posts by Ian Adam
BAPO Union vote
Jul 25th
UNISON Vote
At the AGM in March 2011 members requested that a ballot be conducted to establish if BAPO should introduce a category of membership without union benefits. In response, members were issued with a ballot paper which enabled them to cast either a yes vote in favour of the new category or a no vote against this proposal.
The results of the ballot are shown in the table below;
VOTES RETURNED 161
YES VOTES 49
NO VOTES 112
A simple majority of votes returned was required to make a decision. A 70% No vote was returned and the consequence of this is that BAPO will not introduce a new category of membership. BAPO will continue with the UNISON contract which began in 2010 and provides union services to our membership at a much reduced rate
Orthopadie Reha 2012 – Call for Papers
Jul 6th
Every two years, the ORTHOPÄDIE + REHA-TECHNIK is held in Leipzig as a globally leading event in the trade. In 2012 once again the world congress and the world’s largest trade show for the sector are being held in parallel. In Leipzig you will meet fellow professionals with whom you can change ideas and experiences. The four-day world congress (Tuesday to Friday) starts on 15 May 2012, one day before the international trade show.
Raise your profile at the world congress
The program committee invites free paper submissions for the world congress.
Submission of abstracts
To be considered for presentation at the congress, abstracts must be submitted online for review by September 30, 2011.
Abstracts must be submitted electronically through the congress website:www.confairmed.de/abstractsubmission
Topics
Topics suitable for presentation at the congress include: Prosthetics, Orthotics, Foot and Shoe, Rehabilitation, Rehab Technologies (Seating & Wheelchairs) and Open Topics (Developing Countries, Appropriate Technologies, Materials Research and Measurement Techniques).
Peer review procedure and acceptance of free papers
At the close of free paper submission (September 30, 2011) abstracts will be anonymized and distributed to assigned reviewers for assessment and comment. On the basis of the reviews, the program committee will accept or reject the submissions. Authors will be notified of the outcome of the review process by the end of November 2011.
Congress languages
Congress languages are German and English. Simultaneous translations into both languages will be offered.
Presentation format
Free papers at the congress will be presented in podium/oral or poster format.
Posters will be displayed in the poster exhibition in front of the lecture halls. Poster presentations and viewings will be held daily during lunch break.
Keynote lectures – Specialist knowledge from international experts
Internationally renowned experts will talk in keynote lectures on their specialist fields. No other events will be held in parallel to these 30 minute lectures. You will find more information here.
Symposia – Broad spectrum of topics, professional discussions
Further core topics will be explored in chaired discussions in the symposia. A total of roughly 35 lecture blocks will be conducted in parallel in three halls over the four days of the congress. The structure of the 2012 congress will be more oriented towards communication and discussion, and special features such as “Meet the speaker” and interdisciplinary case studies will be introduced. The planned symposia can be found here.
Congress structure
Every day, 3 time frames will be offered in parallel in each of the 3 halls. No other lecture series will be held parallel to the keynote lectures. The congress opens from 09:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
International Youth Academy
Students in the field of prosthetics, orthotics, orthopaedic shoe technology and physiotherapy will be given the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and experiences on an interdisciplinary basis in their own dedicated promotional area. The range of things on offer at the “Youth.Academy” also include an internships exchange, meetings with the directors of human resources and heads of research departments from individual exhibiting companies, as well as access to some of the professional development sessions. All those interested will find more information on Facebook.
More info: http://www.ot-leipzig.de
TURBO AFO (Vacuum Forming/Pulling Plastic)
Jul 4th
Vacuum forming technique for turbo AFO. Technicians vacuum form plastic to plaster model.
This video illustrates the technique for incorporating a long reinforcing polypropylene strut.
London South Bank University launches clinical course for prosthetics, orthotics, and special seating
May 26th
London South Bank University’s (LSBU) Faculty of Engineering, Science and The Built Environment is launching a new Foundation Degree in Clinical Technology this September.
The validated two-year course has been developed to support technical and support staffs who are already employed within the rehabilitation sector, including prosthetics, orthotics, and special seating. An Open Day, which will include talks from the Course Director, LSBU’s Dr Geoff Goss, and a number of top industry names, will be held on LSBU’s Southwark campus on Monday 20 June.
The course was developed when LSBU was approached by colleagues from the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, and the programme of study was subsequently designed in close partnership with the NHS, industry and the Associated Parliamentary Limb Loss Group. It has been developed in response to a recognised skills gap. This skills gap has resulted from the shortage of apprenticeships during the 1980s and 1990s, which created an aging workforce. The course will also help to meet the growing need for special seating, orthotics and prosthetic devices in the UK due to the increase in diabetes, neurological conditions, an aging population and casualties from conflict zones. Students will be able to broaden and extend the experience they have already gained in the work place through four main core subject areas – mechanics, materials, manufacturing and design, and clinical rehabilitation. They will also be taught how to utilise the latest innovative technologies.
Dr Geoff Goss, of LSBU’s Faculty of Engineering, Science and The Built Environment says: “We are really excited about the launch of the new Clinical Technology course at LSBU. There is a clearly established need for this course with the industry skills gap set against a growing demand for these devices due to the dramatic rise in diabetes and an increasingly aging population. Technicians will be able to bring back skills to their workplace, including making the most of the latest technologies, which will not only further their own professional development but also benefit their employers too.”
Jose Spring, Research and Development Coordinator at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, says: “The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability appreciates LSBU’s enthusiasm in providing training on special seating, which is not provided anywhere else in the UK. It will be an extremely well-rounded course, for the first time, spanning both the faculties of Health & Social Care and Engineering.”
Michael O’Byrne, Chief Executive Officer of the Ability Technology Group, says: “This is a much needed development for the training and education of technicians. It creates the opportunity for progression for technicians who wish to commit to this initiative. I believe it will be well supported by employers.”
Steve McNeice of the Associate Parliamentary Limb Loss Group says: “This innovative and inspirational course will provide many new skilled caring healthcare professionals hopefully for some years yet to come, improving the quality and range of services provided to patients and individual patient outcomes and quality of life.”
Students can only be accepted onto the course if they are able to undergo work-based learning.
To find out more about the Open Day or to order a course information booklet, call 020 7815 7625
I’m a Technician, Not a Magician By Tony Wickman, CTPO
May 10th
The phrase “work your magic” is both a compliment and a curse. On one hand, it is a tremendous vote of confidence when someone clearly believes I have the skill, experience, wisdom, or whatever to turn a bad cast into a functional orthosis. On the other hand, I know who is hiding behind the curtain, and it’s just me. Yes, I have been doing this for a long time, and yes, I have seen a lot over the years. But, no, I am not in possession of any extraordinary powers. I know a lot of people who also have been doing this for so long that their skill, experience, wisdom, or whatever gives them the appearance of possessing magic powers as well, but sadly they don’t have magic powers either. The cold, cruel fact of the matter is that most of us just do the best we can.
I found this excellent article by Tony Wickman CTPO on the following web site www.oandp.com and on their Edge Publication. This is a very indepth web site/publication and it is well worth looking at on a regular basis. Many thanks to O&P The Edge for allowing us to use this article and link on our site.
To read this article in its entirety, see the September 2010 issue of The O&P EDGE: http://www.oandp.com/articles/2010-09_08.asp)
Algeos Show and Tell winner
Apr 11th
Christopher Dodsley from Nottingham University NHS Trust who was this years winner of the first orthotictechnicians.com Show and Tell recently received his prize from Francis Barrett, O&P Divisonal Sales Manager of A.Algeos. Christopher’s presentation was on his method of applying transfers to polyethelyne materials. Well done Christopher.
Custom Orthotic Insoles Technology Forum
Apr 4th
A new open event for the discussion of digital technology
19th & 20th May 2011, University of Bath, UK
Introduction
The Orthotic Technology Forum is the first event to focus on discussing new technologies and processes designed to assist Practitioners and Laboratories in prescribing and manufacturing Custom Orthotic Insoles. Our guest speakers are leading the way in developing and using different types of technology, from hardware devices to help measure biomechanical features, pressure and anatomical form, CADCAM tools for plasterless manufacture, as well as new ideas for increasing productivity and reducing manufacturing costs.
What subjects will be covered?
This is a unique opportunity for you to see a wide range of innovative technologies from a varied range of organisations, including:
Larry Huppin , Medical Director of Prolab Orthotics (USA)
Evidence based medicine: Foot imaging for custom functional foot orthoses
Craig Payne, Senior Lecturer, Latrobe University (Australia)
Cost benefit comparison of plaster casts and optical scans for the manufacture of foot orthoses
Clifton Bradeley, Owner, SUB 4 (UK)
New digital biomechanical evaluation devices and related theories
Craig Tanner, Head Podiatrist, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital (Qatar)
Digital Orthotic System – Exploring the possibilities in a Sports Medicine Service
Stephen Newman, Professor of Engineering, University Of Bath (UK)
Cryogenic machining of soft material orthotics
Phil Wells, Technical Support Manager, Salts TechStep (UK)
Advanced CADCAM for custom Orthotic Insole Design
Chris Lawrie, Healthcare BDM, Delcam Plc (UK)
Workflow Management – web based orthotic order management
Lloyd Thomas, Owner, CycleFit (Germany)
Digital technologies for professional cyclist insoles
Adrian Bowyer, Founder of the RepRap Project, University Of Bath (UK)
Low Cost 3D Printing of custom insoles
Dr Roozbeh Naemi, Senior Research Officer (Iran), Staffordshire University
Mathematical force modelling to help design custom shoe soles and insoles
Francis Barrett , ALGEOS (UK)
Materials Technology
Michel Babin, President, TechMed 3D Inc. (USA)
Converting the clinician to CAD/CAM; a step by step approach
Greg Armstrong, President of sales and marketing, Mile High Orthotics (USA)
Going digital – are you ready?
* Content of this event may vary due to personal circumstances of the speakers.
Why Bath?
The University of Bath is pioneering research into advanced manufacturing technologies and their application in the custom orthotic insoles industry. The Roman Spa town of Bath is a beautiful traditional English town which was the setting for many of Jane Austen’s famous novels with many attractions for you to visit during your stay. See www.visitbath.co.uk for more information and to plan your visit.
How to register your place
There will be a fee of £50.00 for delegates attending this event. If you would like to attend this event, please register and pay online at www.orthotics-cadcam.com/event or contact Hannah Harlock at hlh@delcam.com. Once you have successfully registered for the event, you will be sent confirmation along with details of hotels that we have negotiated special rates with.
Why should you attend?
You will see technologies already being used successfully by orthotics laboratories around the world alongside emerging technologies and research projects giving an insight into custom orthotic advances over the next few years. The event is educational and will expose attendees to new and emerging technologies including hands on experience with a tour of University of Bath’s machining facilities aswell as contribute towards your continued professional development.
There will also be an opportunity for delegates and speakers to network during the sessions and breaks to share experiences ,as well as giving you time to explore the Roman Spa Town of Bath with us.
Naidex Birmingham 2011
Apr 2nd
Niadex is the UK’s largest homecare, disability and rehabilitation event with over 360 exhibitors featuring the latest products and services to aid independent living. See below what a visit to Naidex will offer you – all for free.
Healthcare professionals…Healthcare Professionals at Naidex
* Keep up-to-date with the latest products on show from over 350 exhibiting companies
* Learn about the issues and developments facing your profession, in our free CPD seminar programme
* Book free group or one-on-one sessions in the CPD Clinic
* Pick up CPD certificates for inclusion in your portfolio
Members of the public…
* Touch, test and compare thousands of products to help you make the right purchasing decision
* Visit the new feature areas providing the latest information on independent living
* Get information and advice on products, employment and benefits applicable to you
* Free entry and a warm welcome at the country’s most accessible venue
Trade visitors…
* Gain a better understanding of the dynamics in your market place
* A great networking opportunity. Meet a large proportion of the industry in one hit
* Source new suppliers and make useful contacts
Show Opening Times:
Tuesday 5th April 2011: 10.00-17.00
Wednesday 6th April 2011: 10.00 – 17.00
Thursday 7th April 2011: 10.00 – 16.00
Naidex takes place at the NEC Birmingham
More and registration: http://www.naidex.co.uk/NaidexBir11/website/default.aspx?refer=1