New system for spinal patients praised

The occupational therapy orthotics team at Musgrove Park have been highly commended for their work in the Trust Excellence Awards. The team introduced a new system for spinal patients that improved their experience and made the hospital systems more efficient.

The MKS Modular Spinal Bracing System is an innovative addition to the spinal service. Patients are now fitted with a bespoke brace to support their spine and no longer need to have it fitted in theatre – saving them and the surgical teams a lot of time.

Team Leader Wendy Hooper said, “This new system is much better for patients: shorter anaesthetic time, less time to fit, lighter and cooler to wear. It also saves critical theatre time and ensures that our surgeons are not hanging around waiting for the brace to be fitted. As the first hospital in the UK to do this we have now been running courses for other health professionals to show them how to implement it.”

Emma Mahoney, 16, of Taunton was fitted with one of the new braces recently. She said “The brace is comfortable and has really improved my posture since the operation. It gives lots of support and I went out clothes shopping and got a dress yesterday while wearing my brace. It's great!"

Head of Occupational Therapy Clare Boobyer-Jones said “The team have done a great job and really deserve their award. There are making radical changes to provide a top quality and effective service for patients.”

The photograph shows the brace being modelled by Josie Lodge who is doing work experience in the Occupational Therapy Department.