Archives for November 2023

The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) is sponsoring the Inspirational Innovators in Prosthetics and Orthotics award in the Advancing Healthcare Awards 2024 for the second year.

The Advancing Healthcare Awards 2024 is an annual event that aims to recognise and reward projects and professionals in the healthcare science and allied health professions (AHPs) that lead innovative healthcare practices and make a real difference in patients’ lives.

AHPs, healthcare scientists, and those who work alongside them in support roles across the UK are invited to enter the Advancing Healthcare Awards to recognise excellence and partnership working across the professions.

Commenting on the sponsorship of an award at the Advancing Healthcare Awards, BAPO’s Chair, Peter Iliff, said: “BAPO is delighted to sponsor an award to recognise inspirational innovators in prosthetics and orthotics in the Advancing Healthcare Awards 2024. Prosthetics and orthotics are the smallest AHP profession, yet they make a hugely significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the population.”

The BAPO-sponsored award is open to all UK-registered prosthetists and orthotists, prosthetic and orthotic technicians, and support workers. Nominations can be made for yourself or a colleague. The prosthetics and orthotics award aims to recognise and reward the vital contribution of the workforce, and those who have inspired the prosthetics and orthotics community through innovation, leadership, clinical excellence, passion, and research excellence.

Entries can be made until 7th February 2024.

The awards will be presented at a live ceremony on 26 April 2024 at the Victoria Park Plaza in London.

There are a variety of awards that are open to AHPs and healthcare scientists including:

AWARDS OPEN TO BOTH AHPs AND HEALTHCARE SCIENTISTS

• The Welsh Government’s award for value-based care: maximising the expertise of healthcare scientists and allied health professionals to improve patient outcomes
• The award for outstanding achievement by an apprentice, support worker, or non-registered technician in an AHP or healthcare science service
• The Rising Star Award sponsored by Chamberlain Dunn
• The Award for Creative and Innovative Practice

AWARDS OPEN TO AHPS

• The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists award for Inspirational Innovators in Prosthetics and Orthotics
• The AHP Clinical Leadership award
• The Northern Ireland Government’s award for Partnering, Leading, and Shaping to improve population health

OVERALL WINNER:

• The judges select the overall winner from the category winners.

Enter a nominee here: https://aha.awardsplatform.com/
For more information and to make an entry visit: www.AHAwards.co.uk/uk/

https://ahawards.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AHA-awards-2024_info-sheet__.pdf 

A message from last year’s winner, Clara Bailey, Orthotist

Hi, I was the winner of the AHA British Association of Prosthetist and Orthotists (BAPO) Award for inspirational innovators last year. 

Do you have a colleague that deserves to be nominated?  Maybe they are working to develop new processes to improve the patient experience or are working on a project to develop a new product.  They might be working with an allied profession to ultimately improve the O&P outcomes for either the patient or the orthotist or prosthetist. It may be part of their “day” job, or it may be a project that runs alongside it. They may be working as an individual or part of a team. 

Nominating a colleague or team of colleagues is a great way to raise awareness of their work, as well as make them feel recognised and appreciated. This can increase their confidence in the work they do.  

Receiving my award definitely contributed to me finally being brave enough to publish my book “Improving the Fit of Therapeutic Footwear” which has generated interest and feedback beyond my wildest expectations. I was a guest speaker at the BAPO conference in Farnborough and have had the chance to speak to many people about the issues relating to footwear provision, enforcing the importance of the work I have been doing. I also feel the award further substantiates me as the presenter of my CPD-accredited footwear course.

The award itself is presented at a fantastic ceremony and I was fortunate to attend and share the experience of being treated like VIP’s with my admin colleague Tracey, whose hard work behind the scenes allows me to achieve what I do.  It was great to meet so many inspirational people there and to hear about what they have achieved in their services.

I would really encourage you to nominate your deserving colleague.  They will be very grateful.

Professor Chris Whitty’s annual report has been published and recommends actions to improve quality of life for older adults and prioritise areas with the fastest growth in older people. 

BAPO provided a report with an overview of how P&O can support health in an ageing society and is referenced in the report for our contribution. 

A study by the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies (CBRT) at Staffordshire University has revealed a significant deficit in the number of prosthetists, orthotists and prosthetic/orthotic technicians and support workers working in the UK. The final report is formally launched on 6^th November 2023.

This research, commissioned by the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO), found there are currently 631 orthotists and 295 prosthetists employed nationwide. However, an additional 142 to 477 prosthetists/orthotists are needed to meet World Health Organization standards of care.

“This workforce shortage is worrying,” said Professor Nachi Chockalingam, Director of CBRT and a senior author of the study. “With our ageing population, demand for prosthetic and orthotic services will only increase. We urgently need strategies to grow and sustain this profession.”

The study also identified a lack of qualified technicians and support workers to support prosthetist/orthotist teams, with a shortage of 1,133 to 1,803 individuals by WHO benchmarks. Significant recruitment challenges were reported by both NHS and private sector employers.

“This landmark report provides the hard evidence we need to take action,” said Dr Nicky Eddison, lead researcher. “Working with professional bodies, higher education institutions and the industry we must inspire the next generation and make prosthetics/orthotics an attractive career choice.”

The report highlighted retention issues as well, with 1 in 5 prosthetists/orthotists indicating they may leave the field in the next five years. Key factors driving attrition include lack of career progression, poor work-life balance and lack of flexibility.

Another senior author Dr Aoife Healy, added: “Prosthetist/orthotist is an incredibly skilled profession that allows for a high degree of creativity combined with cutting-edge technology to transform patients’ lives.”

Mr Peter Iliff, the Chair of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists said, “We need to nurture these professionals so they feel valued and able to thrive throughout their careers. BAPO has pledged to implement the report’s recommendations around enhanced educational programs, expanded roles for prosthetic/orthotic technicians and support workers, and greater collaboration to sustain the workforce.”

“With commitment from all stakeholders, we can build the prosthetic/orthotic workforce needed to provide quality care to all who require it,” Professor Chockalingam said. “We look forward to partnering across the health sector to make this vision a reality.”

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