Somerset NHS orthotics team shortlisted for national award

The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust team, based at Musgrove Park and Yeovil hospitals, has been recognised for its work in providing life-changing external body supports such as braces, collars and specialist footwear.

These supports help patients stay mobile, independent and able to participate in daily life.

Nina Darke, head of orthotics at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: "A lot of our patients are complex and have lifelong conditions.

"We can support some people from childhood for the rest of their lives, which makes our service quite unique."

The team serves patients of all ages and works closely with specialist services across Somerset, including diabetic foot services, paediatric neuromuscular services and adult neurological pathways.

It has been shortlisted for team of the year at the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists awards.

Ms Darke said: "For us, this nomination reflects the hard work that happens quietly in the background across our whole team: how we listen to patients, support each other, and do our very best to make a real difference to people’s lives."

The service sees around 600 patients each month through outpatient clinics and supports inpatients at both Musgrove Park and Yeovil hospitals.

It covers the entire county with a team of just 12 staff, including five orthotists, as well as administrative and management colleagues.

Clinics are also run in the community, including at South Petherton Community Hospital and Fiveways School.

The team has been praised for its recent improvements, including reducing waiting lists from around 700 patients to fewer than 100 at each site, and below 50 in Yeovil.

It has also introduced new technology such as 3D scanning to create digital models and 3D printing for bespoke supports and insoles.

Integration with the NHS App and Patient Hub has improved patient communication and reduced appointment no-shows by providing educational resources and self-care guidance.

The team has also focused on improving patient safety and personalising care after discharge, as well as making sure clinics run efficiently and are fully utilised.

Orthotic support is particularly important in rehabilitation.

For example, patients recovering from a stroke may be fitted with lower-limb splints to help them regain mobility and prevent complications during recovery.

Some patients require short-term support, while others rely on the service for life.

The orthotics team works closely with other clinical services to ensure care is well-timed and integrated, especially for patients with complex needs.

In spasticity clinics, for example, a coordinated plan may include orthotics, medication review, botulinum toxin injections and physiotherapy, helping to avoid repeat appointments and improve outcomes.

Patients have offered glowing feedback about the service.

One said: "The orthotic practitioner was absolutely brilliant, sympathetic, capable, well trained, and generally lovely."

Another said: "Having a facility for orthotics in spasticity clinics is magic and has avoided unsuitable treatment, it is marvellous.

"We have to travel a distance and saving repeat trips is unbelievable."

The service supports the wider NHS goal of promoting prevention and long-term wellbeing.

Ms Darke said: "If we're keeping people mobile, keeping people in work and able to participate socially, there are benefits for mental health, the economy and wellbeing.

"It's about the holistic benefit to the person, rather than just concentrating on a physical gain."