News

The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics – Initial thoughts on the NHS 10-Year Plan

The publication of the NHS 10-Year Plan marks a pivotal moment for the future of healthcare in the UK. The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO) welcomes the plan’s ambitious and forward-looking vision.

Prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) have a vital role to play in delivering several of the plan’s strategic priorities, including moving care closer to home, embracing digital innovation, and shifting the focus from treatment to prevention. P&O are also well positioned to contribute meaningfully to the development of the proposed ‘Neighbourhood Health Service’. BAPO will engage with its members, industry partners, and stakeholders to explore how the profession can best support and enhance this new model of care.

However, the success of this transformation will depend heavily on effective implementation, which must include sustained investment, strategic workforce development, and a robust supporting infrastructure. Currently, high vacancy rates and limited capacity within the P&O profession present significant challenges in meeting even existing demand.

BAPO is encouraged by the plan’s focus on apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the P&O workforce. While the current plan highlights nursing apprenticeships, BAPO strongly urges the government to also recognise and incorporate allied health profession apprenticeships in its future workforce strategy.

BAPO remains committed to working collaboratively with the Department of Health and Social Care, sector partners, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the prosthetic and orthotic profession is acknowledged and meaningfully integrated into the future of the NHS.

“We are pleased Krista has taken on the challenge of being BAPO’s new Digital Lead. Krista will play a key role in supporting the Prosthetics and Orthotics profession to harness emerging technological capabilities, particularly AI and simulation. This work will support alignment with the ambitions of the NHS 10-Year Plan—ensuring that digital innovation enhances clinical practice, improves outcomes, and supports a future-ready workforce.” – Dr Nicky Eddison

We’re delighted to welcome Chiazoka to BAPO as our new Public Health and Sustainability Lead. These two areas are vital to the future of prosthetic and orthotic care and align closely with the ambitions of the NHS Ten Year Plan, which prioritises prevention, early intervention, and long-term health outcomes over reactive treatment.

Prosthetic and orthotic services play a pivotal role in preventing ill health, by maintaining mobility, reducing falls, managing long-term conditions, supporting people to remain in or return to work, and enabling independent living with improved quality of life. Alongside this, we must also ensure our services are environmentally responsible, minimising waste, lowering our carbon footprint, and contributing to a greener, more sustainable NHS.

Chiazoka brings a wealth of, passion, and commitment to these priorities. Her leadership will be instrumental in shaping a profession that is both proactive in promoting public health and accountable in its environmental impact. We’re thrilled to have her on board as we continue to lead and innovate in these critical areas.

If you’re a BAPO member and would like to support your profession to engage with public health and sustainability we would love to hear from you

BAPO is delighted to support Keele University’s P&O Summer School on August 26th and 27th. If you are interested in exploring a career in P&O, contact Keele to book your fully funded place whilst spaces remain. For more information, please contact  n.ahmed1@keele.ac.uk