BAPO 2010  Conference Programme

BAPO Conference 2010  click here for Updated Clincal Tabletable and Conference Update 3 February 2010

Conference 2010 - Registrations still being taken - download Delegate registration form 

PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC SERVICES NEED BOOST TO COPE WITH INJURED SERVICE PERSONNEL AND NHS PATIENTS

The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) and UNISON, today welcomed the Government’s commitment to increase NHS capacity for injured military personnel, but warned that without more funding, other NHS patients would suffer.

Steve Mottram, Chair of the Association, said:

“It is quite right that military hospitals should have their capacity increased to cope with the expected surge in disabled personnel from the front-line. Many of the injured will rely on the skills and expertise of Prosthetists and Orthotists to help them get on with their work and lives. This places a huge extra burden on the service both within the military service and for those who then go on to access the normal NHS service as they leave the Armed Forces.

“The Government must commit to more funding for the normal NHS service or other patients will suffer. 

BAPO signed a partnership agreement with UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector union in December last year, and the union is backing its calls for more resources.

Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, said:

“Military personnel who are injured fighting for our country, should get the best possible medical treatment. What we don’t want however, is a two-tier Prosthetic or Orthotic service, we want all NHS patients to get the help they need. 

“To stop these vital services being swamped, it is essential that they get more funding.  Budgets are being squeezed just when the demand is increasing. The Government needs to act now.

 (This Press Statement was also released through UNISON Press links)

ISPO - The 13th World Congress of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics
Research and Innovation for Human Technology  (10-15 May 2010) 

Orthotic Service in the NHS: Improving Service Provision

OETT (Orthotic Education and Training Trust) NEWS

The OETT continues to provide financial support to many UK based Orthotists who are undertaking postgraduate education and/or participating in short courses. The Trustees are currently taking a particular interest in the training of new graduates in their first year as Orthotists. The OETT is planning a meeting to bring together the employers of new graduates (both commercial companies and NHS) to identify good practices in supporting Orthotists through this fledgling stage. We also want to involve Orthotists who have recently transitioned through their first year and would like to contribute reflections on your experience. If you would like to be involved in the meeting please send your contact details to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

You can now read BAPOmag online -  go to members only downloads folder