Salford Prosthetics and Orthotics team hosts successful industry showcase event
Over 40 key stakeholders from the prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) industry were welcomed to the University of Salford to hear more about the growth of the subject area at the University, which is fast becoming a centre of excellence for P&O.
Attendees got an exciting insight into the new health and wellbeing building being built at the University’s Frederick Road campus, which will be the home for some of the most popular healthcare courses including prosthetics and orthotics as well as podiatry, sports rehabilitation, occupational therapy and sport science.
P&O teaching will benefit from access to dedicated NHS compliant spaces, state of the art facilities including a gait lab and research space and a new home for the workshop and plaster room which are moving from the existing Brian Blatchford building.
Presentations throughout the day covered the way the programme has developed in response to feedback, the introduction of the new enhanced clinical practitioner (ECP) apprenticeship for P&O and the many simulation and research opportunities already on offer at the University.
This included a demonstration of the exciting new initiative which brings together simulation, AI and international awareness in the form of an interactive case study of prosthetic users in Uganda.
Dr Nicky Eddison, Chair of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO), said: “I was delighted to attend and present at the University of Salford’s Prosthetics and Orthotics Stakeholder Open Day. The plans for the new purpose-built facility are truly inspiring, as are the state-of-the-art simulation resources available to P&O learners. It was a privilege to engage in meaningful discussions about reimagining practice-based learning in P&O, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills essential for 21st-century healthcare.
“The event also highlighted innovative approaches to creating research pathways and provided an update on Salford’s enhanced clinical practice apprenticeship. With such forward-thinking leadership, collaboration, and commitment to innovation, the future of P&O looks incredibly bright.”
Attendees were given a tour of the impressive, multiprofessional simulation suite at the University which includes two fully equipped wards, breakout spaces and immersive rooms. Guests were also given the opportunity to interact with some of the simulation models and VR headsets which are regularly used to enhance the undergraduate teaching programme.
The final presentations for the day focussed on future developments happening within the University which will positively impact the P&O workforce and provide a vital link in the career progression pathway for many colleagues.
There was a thought-provoking update on the ongoing development of an Enhanced Clinical Practice (ECP) programme for P&O which will be offered by the University, this included how the course could look and how the credits accrued will link to potential research opportunities and accreditation to allow further career development. The University of Salford has recently won a prestigious funding bid from NHSE to support this development for P&O and attendees were very interested to engage further with this process in the coming months.
As the new building takes shape and exciting new programmes roll out, one thing is certain – Salford’s P&O community is set to make a lasting impact in the field.
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.
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