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INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 107 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 £6.95
Boost for children’s foot health thanks to £1.5m funding By Olivia Taylor CHILDREN’S foot health looks set for a boost with research teams at the Universities of Salford and Brighton attracting £1.5m from the William M. Scholl Endowment Fund. Professor Chris Nester (Salford) and Dr Stewart Morrison (Brighton) will jointly lead the ambitious ‘SMALL STEPS’ research programme that starts in the Spring. Research led by Dr Morrison will focus on understanding the beliefs of parents and health care professionals with regard to children foot health, and the factors that influence these. Dr Morrison said: “There are some fundamental gaps in our understanding of where parents get their knowledge on foot health, what concerns them, and how health professionals might provide appropriate support. “This is very timely because of the increasing emphasis on prevention rather than cure of diseases in adulthood. “Getting evidence based public foot health messages to parents should be a great way to prevent future problems.” Professor Nester is leading work on how the foot develops as children start to walk independently.
He added: “These developmental milestones typically occur between six and 18 months of age and bearing weight drives many changes in the feet and legs. “We want to understand the fundamental relationship between these milestones and how our feet develop into the shapes they do.” Data will be collected on children between Manchester and Brighton over three years. The teams will work closely with clinicians from a wide range of disciplines, including health visitors, paediatricians, surgeons, physiotherapists and podiatrists. Members of the footwear industry will be involved through stakeholder groups, including leading children’s footwear and high-street retailers. Support from European and International partners will support the global reach of the project. The funding comes from William M. Scholl Endowment Fund, a charity focussed specifically on advancing foot health research and education in the UK. The fund is part of Central and North West London NHS Trust. Director Dr Brain Ellis said “Small Steps marks a new chapter for the Fund, elevating its impact and reach. We look forward to the formal launch of the project in March.”
When schoolboy Callum Williams walked out as a mascot for Swansea City against West Bromwich Albion at the Liberty Stadium on Boxing Day he looked the part – right down to his legs. The 11-year-old from Pontarddulais was born with club feet which were amputated last year. Only a few months later Callum is making rapid progress with his new prosthetic legs – which the artificial limb team at Morriston Hospital have customised after Swansea City donated two shirts. Not only that but Swans star Wayne Routledge and legend Lee Trundle (pictured above) made a surprise visit to check his progress while Callum was having a rehab session at Morriston Hospital’s Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre.