Orthotics Technology Forum – 12th – 13th July 2012 – University of Salford
May 14th
âHaving been a technician for 14 years and involved in a lot of conferences, training days etc, it was one of the most interesting I have attended.â Phil Buttery, Orthotics Technology Forum 2011 delegate
Introduction
The Orthotics Technology Forum will focus on discussing new technologies and processes designed to assist Practitioners and Laboratories in prescribing and manufacturing Custom Orthotic Insoles. This event will also count towards your Professional Development.
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:
⢠JosĂŠ VĂctor Alfaro SantafĂŠ, General Manager of Podoactiva (Spain) -
âA new dynamic approach to capturing the ideal 3D digital model of a patientâs footâ
⢠Craig Tanner, Sports Podiatrist, Aspetar- Qatar Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Hospital (Qatar) -
âEvolution of orthotic designs due to the unique possibilities of CAD orthosesâ
⢠Professor Christopher Nester, Associate Head Research & Innovation, School of Health Sciences, University of Salford (UK)- Using foot biomechanics to tailor footwear design in diabetes: The SSHOES projectâ
⢠Ryan Robinson, CEO, Walking Mobility & Chairman of the Pedorthist Association of Canada – âSo what business benefits can technology deliver in the private sector?â
⢠Bill Meanwell, CEO, Instructor, International School of Pedorthics – âA study of CADCAM systemsâ
⢠Jatinder Olk, Kent Community Health NHS Trust East (UK)-
âAn overview of Scan/CAD/CAM/Workflow for the public sectorâ
⢠Nafiseh Ahanchian, PhD researcher, School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Salford (UK) – âAn academic study of 3D Modelling of the Human Heel Padâ
⢠Luca Caironi, Technical Sales Manager (Shoes), Crispin Footwear – âThe digital custom shoeâ
⢠Graham Bennett, Managing Director, CRDM (HP DesignJet) -
âDesktop 3D printing of custom orthotics – demonstrating HPâs new DesignJet systemâ
⢠Dan Swatton, Healthcare Technical Product Manager, Delcam PLC – âDigital technologies for professional cyclist insolesâ
⢠Chris Lawrie, Healthcare Product Manager, Delcam PLC (UK) -
âA practical demonstration of how 3D digital scanning works, using augmented reality and introducing 4D scanningâ
⢠Jonathan Fogg, Manager, Business Development, NORA Systems Inc, Shoe components division (USA) – âPremium materials for custom orthotic insolesâ
⢠Mark Corrigan. Manager, Delcam UK -
âCarving custom orthotic insoles – making the right carver choice for your businessâ
⢠Dan Swatton, Healthcare Technical Product Manager, Delcam PLC -
âParameter driven CAD, a new automated approach to custom orthotic insole designâ
￟⢠Chris Jones, Leader of the SAVING Project -
âNew CAD design tools for Additive Manufactureâ
* Content of this event may vary due to personal circumstances of the speakers.
ďżźWhy University of Salford?
The University of Salford has fantastic new facilities in its School for Health Sciences, including a multi million pound Podiatry clinic, three gait analysis and biomechanics laboratories, digital analysis rooms and orthotics labs.
The School is home to Europeâs largest school of Podiatry and the only Prosthetics and Orthotics higher education provider in England.
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 Salfordâs podiatry facilities as well 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.
Topics for discussion will include:
⢠How is CAD evolving orthotic design?
⢠How is digital technology helping professional cyclists?
⢠How can 3D printing increase your efficiency and reduce your scrap handling?
⢠How can you optimise the reduction in pressure under the forefoot of diabetic patients through the use of foot biomechanics measurements?
⢠How can you create a âvirtual imageâ of the foot to create an accurate measurement?
⢠What business benefits can technology deliver in the private sector?
Who should attend?
⢠Laboratory Managers
⢠Innovative Podiatrists / Orthotists
⢠Anyone interested in improving the efficiency and profitability of their laboratory or clinic
Evening meal at Old Trafford
There will be a fee of ÂŁ80.00 (+VAT ) for delegates attending this event. Included in your registration, will be an evening meal on Thursday 12th July held at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United Football Club for all of our delegates to attend to relax, network and socialise.
Delegates will be invited to enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the clubâs Museum which houses three floors of history and memorabilia before enjoying a 3 course meal in the Evolution Suite with fantastic pitch side views.
How to register your place
Please register and pay online at www.orthotics-technology-forum.com or contact Hannah Harlock at hlh@delcam.com.
Orthotics and Prosthetics in Dubai
May 9th
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Orthopadie Technik Berlin (OTB), recently signed an agreement to cooperate in the field of orthotics and prosthetics.
The agreement is the first-of-its-kind between a government entity and the private sector in the Middle-East region.
It was signed by Dr Shawqi Khoori, CEO of Rashid Hospital and Karl Schmidt, general manager, OTB, in the presence of senior DHA officials including Khalid Al Sheikh Mubarak, the deputy director-general of the DHA.
As per the agreement, Orthopadie Technik will set up a state-of-the-art retail store in the premises of Rashid Hospital which will have on display high-quality products to assist those with special needs.
The store will provide all kind of prosthetics for those with amputations as well as various kinds of equipment to provide support to adults and children suffering from any kind of disability, a statement from DHA said.
Moreover, the company will also provide experienced healthcare professionals from Europe qualified in the field of orthotics and prosthetics, who will be based in Rashid Hospital.
âThe agreement serves two purposes; it provides patients with any kind of disability with access to state-of-the-art treatment facilities as well as high-quality products including artificial limbs,â Mubarak said. âThe most important benefit is that now these products will be available locally at competitive prices, ensuring patients do not need to place an order abroad. This move will cut the waiting time of a few weeks to a few days, thus providing patients who suffer from any kind of disability with easy access to high quality treatment and care.â
âAt the hospital, we have one of the biggest rehabilitation services in the Emirate and this agreement helps enhance the services we already offer. As healthcare providers, it is our aim to ensure patients get the best treatment locally and this agreement provides them with convenience and ease of service,â Dr Khoori said.
âThe benefit of this agreement is that now all kinds of orthotics and prosthetics will be readily accessible in Dubai for the benefit of special needs patients. We are very efficient with our after-sales service and do we provide guidance on use of products for the convenience of our patients,â Schmidt said.
Dr Suad Trebinjac, head of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Rashid Hospital said that the agreement will help a wide variety of patients. âThe products will benefit patients including those with upper and lower amputations, trauma and poly-trauma patients who suffer from any kind of injuries and need orthotic appliances to support their bodily function like walking etc, patients with spinal cord and brain injuries.â
âPatients with such disabilities need long term care and support and this agreement benefits them in several ways,â
Elephant patient
Apr 26th
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 19, 2012) – Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory treated its largest patient ever when it fitted Jewell the elephant with a custom orthotic shoe designed to help the elephant walk steady.
Jewell, a 60-year-old Asian elephant living at the Little Rock Zoo since spring of last year, was having trouble walking on her front right leg. As an elephant of advanced age, Jewell’s joints are not as limber as they once were making it more difficult for the 9,000 pound pachyderm to evenly distribute her weight on all four legs.
Keepers started to observe Jewell walking abnormally and wondered if there was a way to create a device for the animal that would help her to better distribute her weight on her legs. Seeing various prototypes from other zoos around the country, Zoo staff contacted Snell to see if they might be able to create a custom shoe for Jewell that would help the elephant walk.
Snell, a leader in crafting custom prosthetics and orthotics since 1911, welcomed the challenge of fitting Jewell with a custom orthotic shoe. Snell’s team took measurements of Jewell’s feet and designed a prototype for the Zoo to try on Jewell’s front right foot. After a few additional modifications were made, the shoe was completed and delivered to the Zoo.
Zoo staff work with Jewell on wearing the orthotic during the day and have noticed a change for the better in the way she walks.
“The orthotic shoe provided by Snell has stabilized Jewell’s front foot and helped her to distribute her weight evenly. Keeper staff have noticed Jewell walking more and any wear on her foot that was present before is disappearing,” said Large Hoof Stock Curator Joe Darcangelo.
For the full story and video follow this link
Algeos Fantasy League
Apr 23rd
Well there are only 3 more matches until the Premier League title is decided will it be United or City no that is not the major talking point it is who will be the first Algeos Fantasy League winner.
Well here is the top 25 in the leader board.
# Team Manager GW TOT
1 Givet2me Real Bad Man 58 1,993
2 bobn Mr Ike 41 1,949
3 Swamp donkeys 2011 Lee Willan 65 1,926
4 The Great Whites James Boulton 43 1,808
5 Shoot 2 Thrill Ian Hobbs 36 1,803
6 AlgeFran francis barrett 54 1,802
7 Maw’s Masters jamie maw 60 1,800
8 Meltastic Melville Dixon 45 1,787
9 Red Hot Amateurs Allan Hutton 15 1,768
10 MĂŠs que un team Scott White 50 1,738
11 The Goal Scorers Jonathan Wales 45 1,738
12 Aston Phillo phillip thomas 61 1,738
13 Jooly Wooly Julie Dixon 47 1,719
14 pistol petes XI Peter Nancarrow 47 1,716
15 Innesbruck Gareth Innes 66 1,713
16 BlueMoonRising Nicky Eddison 60 1,712
17 Livvy United Russell Faulkner 47 1,693
18 Calans rovers Edward Wardlaw 54 1,689
19 mcghee’s maestro’s andy mcghee 40 1,684
20 La Gaillarde Max Sheridan 24 1,661
21 Mensi’s Marauders Phil Buttery 42 1,639
22 Goals For Jesus Spencer Kaye 44 1,637
23 HERTS HEADHUNTERS CHRIS TRUEMAN 57 1,584
24 AFC Titanic james fuller 36 1,569
25 World Wardlaw M Melanie Wardlaw 31 1,548
Elftman Matrix workshop seminar
Apr 18th
Demystifying Plantar Pressure Analysis
Launch of our NEW Podotech Elftman Matrix In-shoe Pressure Device.
PLUS Demonstrations on our Podotech Elftman range of Plantar Pressure Analysis Systems.
Algeos are pleased to announce that they will be launching their NEW in-shoe pressure system, the Podotech Elftman Matrix, at a workshop on Friday 4th May at Sheffield University. There will be presentations and workshops hosted by experts in the field of plantar pressure, who will highlight the importance of measuring plantar pressure and how measurement systems can be incorporated into your day-to-day work and benefit your clinics.
We are offering this 1 day workshop FREE OF CHARGE on Friday 4th May 2012 . Refreshments will be served throughout the day and 5 CPD points will be awarded for attendance. Numbers are limited and as we are sure it will prove to be a popular event, we recommend you book now to secure your place. Please speak to your Algeos Sales Representative to confirm your attendance. Alternatively contact Rachael Frank, our Podiatry Division Manager, at rachael.frank@algeos.com or telephone 0151 448 1228.
Workshop Agenda:
09.00 Registration
09.15 Introduction to the day
09.30 The Value of Clinical Diagnosis
Professor Wesley Vernon OBE (Head of Podiatry Service & Research Lead, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals)
10.15 The Difference between Devices for Measuring Plantar Pressure Dr Claudia Giacomozzi (Italian Health Institute)
11.00 Break
11.15 Introduction to the Podotech Elftman range
11.30 Workshop 1 – Sports Perspective: The relevance of In-shoe Plantar Pressure within Sports Podiatry
Jurgen Nijenhuis (Sports Podiatrist to multiple professional athletes and football teams)
12.00 Workshop 2 – Orthotic Perspective Jane McAdam (Principle Podiatrist at Salford Royal Foundation Trust)
12.30 Lunch break
13.30 Workshop 3 – Diabetic Foot / Surgery Perspective
Sheffield PCT – Diabetic Foot Surgery Department (Speaker to be confirmed)
14.00 Introduction to the workshop
14.10 Interactive demonstration of the Elftman Matrix Plus the opportunity to view the other Elftman pressure analysis systems within our Podotech range
15.15 Questions and CPD certificate handout
15.30 Close
Career Fellowship Scheme
Apr 15th
The AHP Career Fellowship Scheme exists to support learning and development opportunities for the benefit of the AHP workforce across NHSScotland.
The AHP Career Fellowship Scheme welcomes individual or team applications and is open from 10th April to 16th May 2012.
Guidance notes have been prepared to support the application process and Frequently Asked Questions have been produced to provide guidance on the Fellowship Scheme.
Further information on applying for funding can be found at Application Information.
The priority categories for 2012/13 continue to be AHP Support Workers and Assistant Practitioners. This includes prioritising applications from support staff as well as applications that will be for the direct benefit of support staff. Applications outwith the above categories will also be considered.
Following consultation with the NES Advisory Fora and members of the Career Fellowship Steering Group the following areas have been recommended as of high importance to NHSScotland.
Career Framework – level 2 support worker, level 3 senior support worker and level 4 assistant practitioners.
Skills including workforce analysis, measuring impact, research, service re-design, health promotion and communication
Care settings including early years services, dementia services, diabetes, dysphagia, chest and abdomen reporting, mental health in mainstream health settings, transitions for children moving to adult long term care services, supporting War Veterans experiencing complex trauma and need for prosthetics services, musculoskeletal advanced practice and delivering AHP services in the prison setting.
If you are considering applying for funding to undertake an HNC, further information regarding course content can be found at AHP Careers.
If you have any queries, please contact the AHP Careers Fellowship Scheme Project Team at ahp.fellowships@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Limbcare Technician of the year 2012
Apr 4th
Limbcare Technician of the Year 2012
This year, the fifth time that this award has been presented, saw the biggest entry ever with 16 nominations for the award. The judging panel met in late March to review the nominations and pick a winner. Once again Limbcare were happy to pick three winners a first, second and a third place. After reading through the nominations they short listed 7 nominations and then debated the merits of each of the short listed candidates. In the end the winner chosen was Mike Rohammed from Otto Bock in the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre, the panel were impressed that although Mike is the only technician working in the department and must be kept very busy he still took the time to develop new Orthoses for patients that make their life easier. Mike was nominated by two of his Orthotist colleagues Rebecca Jones and Kevin Green. Mikeâs prize for winning the award this year is a cheque for ÂŁ400 and unique glass trophy. Mike did not know that he had been nominated for this award and he was delighted to hear the great news. Second place this year was given to Peter Revill from Blatchfords at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield the judges were very impressed that even although Peter has reached retirement age he has decided to continue working and passing on the skills that he has amassed over his year career. Peter was nominated by one of his Prothetists Rosemary Morris. Third place this went to David Eighteen from Blatchfords in Gillingham the judges liked the fact that although David has only been working in Prosthetics and Orthotics for 5 years he has developed many skills and continues to add to this. David was nominated by Jeff Crew a Prothetist at Gillingham
Ray Edwards MBE, Chairman of Limbcare was once again delighted with the standard of nominations for the Limbcare award âI am delighted to see that this award is developing year on year and once again it is great to see the unsung heroes of the workshops being recognized for their skills, without them, we patients would be unable to get on with our daily lifeâsâ.
Limbcare is a charity for amputees in the UK offering hope, help and support to amputees, the limb impaired and those affected around them. Limbcare has a vast amount of experience with the added bonus that most of the Limbcare team are amputees, in fact the chairman and founder Ray Edwards is a quad amputee since 1987. There is no membership required, all of their information is free and available to anyone who wishes to learn more about life as an amputee and the opportunities available to the limb impaired. For more info on Limbcare please visit their web site at www.limbcare.org for details of their services and events.
We would like to thank all our nominators for taking the time to put pen to paper and help make this award what it is today. We are also delighted to inform you all that Limbcare have decided to once again sponsor this fantastic award for 2013.
Orthotic Technicians Cup
Mar 25th
Orthotictechnicians.com and Algeos are pleased to announce the city of Liverpool as the venue for this year’s ’5 A Side’ Football Event.
The competition will take place on Sat 7th July with a 1pm kick off time.
All applications must be received by the 9th of June. For entry details please contact:
Francis Barrett
t: 0151 448 1228
e: francis.barrett@algeos.com
The event will be held at:
Goals Soccer Centre, 110 Evans Road, Speke Boulevard, Liverpool, L24 9PQ
A donation to Help 4 Heroes will be made after the event by A. Algeo Ltd.
You can put as many teams into the tournament as you wish however we do ask that it is a team comprising of existing employees only.
BAPO Membership Insurance
Mar 15th
BAPO has now extended the insurance cover that they provide to Technician’s who are members please find the details of this new cover below.
NEW Enhanced Insurance cover for BAPO members
The BAPO Executive committee is delighted to announce an extensively enhanced insurance cover for all UK Full, Associate Technician, Associate Assistant and Retired members at no increase in cost to you.
Insurance cover is recognised as a vital part of the Associationâs offering to its members and we now provide cover for all members who undertake private practice. If you work as a Locum this is also classed as private practice. The addition of this to our policy provides every member who previously purchased the additional insurance with an annual saving of over ÂŁ500!.Members who carry out private work are no longer required to purchase any extension to their main BAPO policy.
Please find below details of the four policies that BAPO provide as a benefit of membership:
1. Public Liability
Cover for Bodily Injury or Damage caused to Third Party Persons or Property arising out of activities in connection with the business occurring during the Period of Insurance.
i.e. If someone is injured because of something that you have done during your normal duty of work such as leaving a bowl of water on the floor and someone fell over this bowl and injured themselves.
2. Product Liability
Legal Liability for Accidental Bodily Injury or Damage caused to Third Party Persons or Property arising out of Goods Sold or Supplied in connection with the business occurring during the period of Insurance.
i.e. If a patient is injured by a product that you were carrying into a clinic room.
3. Medical Malpractice Insurance
Legal Liability for claims made during the period of Insurance as a direct result of negligence, error or omission in the conduct and execution of professional activities and duties, extending to include Good Samaritan acts.
i.e. This policy would cover you if a patient suffered injury and this was proven to be caused by the device that you manufactured for them. This policy would react to claims made by the claimantâs solicitors against the individual concerned and in all cases of private work (i.e. where no NHS indemnity applies.) It would also respond to pay for defence costs in addition to any awards in damages. IN CASES OF NEGLIGENCE, YOU MAY STILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINE FROM HPC AND THE LAW IF YOU HAVE AN ALLEGATION MADE AGAINST YOU.
4. Professional Indemnity Insurance **NEW**
This is a new additional policy for this year. Also known as PI insurance or indemnity insurance, this will protect you if claims are brought against you by a client due to a problem with advice you have given them during treatment that has then been found to be incorrect. This policy will also provide cover for Medico Legal Report writing and Expert Witness work.
i.e. If you had written a report for a patient regarding their Orthotic or Prosthetic condition and this was later proven to be wrong and the patient wished to claim for their losses during a court case..
Policy limits for all of the above are ÂŁ5,000,000 per policy for any claims and in the annual aggregate (the sum of claims made through the Association insurance, not the individual claim), costs inclusive.
There are a few important points to remember with any insurance cover;
Scope of practice â to be covered by any policy you must make sure that any treatment or procedures that you carry out on a patient are within your scope of practice. In other words if required to stand up in court you would need to prove you were competent and had received relevant training for that procedure.
Notification of Claim â if you receive notification of a claim about to be made against you (be it written or verbal) please contact BAPO immediately and we will put you in touch with our brokers who will handle all communications for you. Never admit liability as this could nullify your insurance.
You need to have insurance cover in place at the time of any claim being made against you. Individuals are therefore required to hold active BAPO membership on the date the claim is made. With this in mind our insurance brokers advise that you should continue your cover for at least 5 years after ceasing to practice or retire, this is why BAPO include the same insurance cover for retired members, providing complete peace of mind.
As of 1 March 2012 all of the above is now provided as a benefit of your BAPO membership. If you were to purchase the same level of cover as an individual it would cost between ÂŁ600 and ÂŁ700 depending on your exact circumstances. Full BAPO membership provides this and a host of other benefits for only ÂŁ360.67 annually.
Members who are currently registered with BAPO as Non-practising due to maternity absence should be aware that they are NOT covered by any insurance if a claim is made against them during this period. In order to receive insurance cover members on maternity absence are required to maintain their Full membership status throughout this time.
Remember these insurance policies also cover all court and legal costs required to defend you should a claim be made against you. Please feel free to advise your colleagues who work in private practice or Locum work who may not be aware of the fantastic saving available through BAPO membership.
If you have any further questions regarding your new BAPO insurance cover please contact the Secretariat on 0141 561 7217 or email enquiries@bapo.com