News

The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO) and The Leg Ulcer Forum (LUF) are pleased to announce a new commitment to working together to strengthen standards, education, and professional practice across lower limb ulcer/wound management, the care of associated conditions and prosthetics and orthotics.

Both organisations share a dedication to improving outcomes for patients living with leg ulcers and associated lower limb conditions, through evidence-based care, professional development, and the promotion of best practice. By bringing together expertise from across prosthetics, orthotics and leg ulcer management, this affiliation aims to enhance national networking opportunities, support multidisciplinary learning, and contribute to the development of future guidance and standards.

Dr. Nicky Eddison, Chair of BAPO, said:

“We are delighted to be working alongside The Leg Ulcer Forum. The prosthetic and orthotic workforce are experts in delivering prosthetic and orthotic treatment for people with lower limb conditions. This affiliation reflects our shared commitment to advancing clinical practice and ensuring patients receive the highest quality prosthetic and orthotic care alongside holistic care of lower limb ulcers/wounds and any associated conditions.

Mark Collier, Immediate Past Chair of The Leg Ulcer Forum, added:

“The Leg Ulcer Forum is pleased to partner with BAPO. We recognize the expertise of prosthetists and orthotists and believe by combining our knowledge, educational resources, and professional networks, we can further promote evidenced based care and improve the lives of those affected by leg ulceration and lower limb conditions.”

This affiliation represents an important step forward in supporting healthcare professionals / the multi-disciplinary team approach to care , encouraging innovation, and improving patient care through shared learning and joint initiatives.

📢 We’re pleased to announce that we are piloting a new, streamlined approach to funding orthotic education!

This pilot will apply to the Action Centred Leadership Course, BAPO Bitesize Courses, and the Orthotic Management of Early Stroke Course. As part of this initiative, UK orthotists, orthotics technicians, and orthotic support workers will no longer need to pay upfront for these selected courses where they are approved by the Orthotic Education Training Trust (OETT).

Instead, BAPO and OETT will work together directly to arrange funding, helping to reduce the financial burden on the orthotic workforce.

Dr Nicky Eddison, BAPO Chair,

“This pilot marks an important step toward making professional development more accessible. By removing upfront costs, we are enabling more of our workforce to engage in high-quality education without financial barriers.”

Kay Purnell, OETT Chair, 

“We are delighted to collaborate with BAPO on this pilot. It allows us to test a more streamlined and supportive funding process, helping more clinicians and support staff access essential training.”

🤝 This pilot reflects our shared commitment to supporting the orthotic community and investing in its future. The next step is to ensure that training and education are protected in service contracts, enabling our workforce to thrive.

How to apply:

1. Apply for funding via the OETT Website: https://www.oett.org.uk/
2. The OETT administrator will book you onto the relevant BAPO course 
3. BAPO Team will contact you with further details and confirmtion/Invoice for any outstanding event prices (OETT funding is available up to the BAPO member price only)

Please note: Failure to attend a booked course will result in the full payment of the course being invoiced to you by BAPO and may affect your eligibility to book on for future events.

 

🔗 To learn more about OETT, visit: https://www.oett.org.uk/

📅 To see available BAPO courses,                                                          visit: https://www.bapo.com/events/calendar/short-courses-webinars/

Conservative treatment of Pectus Carinatum and Pectus Excavatum is continuing to grow across orthotic clinics in the UK, reflecting increasing awareness of non surgical management options and improved patient access to specialist care.

British Association of  Prosthetics and Orthotics and the Pectus Matters charity are currently collaborating on a best practice guide for orthotic treatment, led by Kate Chauhan, Donna Dargie, and Fiona Roy.

This work aims to support consistent, evidence informed care and strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration across services treating chest wall deformities.