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Research collaboration aims to reduce the risk of falls
A two-year research collaboration with NRS Healthcare and the University of Salford , which was financially supported by Innovate UK , has found that traditional walking frames ‘ do not provide users with sufficient stability when turning and crossing thresholds , potentially increasing the risk of falls ’.
As a result , to improve stability , NRS Healthcare has designed a new walking frame that it says ‘ is able to stay on the ground during activities where other frames need lifting ’.
Susan Bevan , Clinical Excellence Technical Lead at NRS Healthcare , said : ‘ Ubiquitous across the NHS and community healthcare settings , Zimmer frames have been in use since the 1950s , with very little change in their design . For many users , typically frail , elderly and those recovering from surgery , these walking frames are a source of anxiety and frustration .
‘ We are so pleased that , after rigorous research and clinical testing , we can unveil a safer , more stable option for maintaining user independence .’
The new walking frame was tested in a gait laboratory and in care homes during 2021-2022 . In 2023 , an initial clinical trial was completed and funding has been agreed for a second clinical trial in users ’ homes , while NRS Healthcare has agreed to trial the product with an existing NHS partner .
To find out more visit www . nrshealthcare . com / walksafe .
RCOT ’ s response to the Scottish Government ’ s proposed budget
The Scottish Budget sets out the Scottish Government ’ s proposed spending and tax plans for 2025 to 2026 , as presented to the Scottish Parliament .
Shona Robison MSP , Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government said in the foreword : ‘ This is a budget by Scotland , for Scotland . A budget for progress . A budget to renew public services and invest in the nation ’ s priorities . A budget that , most importantly , can bring some hope .’
The budget will centre on the Scottish Government ’ s priorities to : eradicate child poverty ; grow the economy ; tackle the climate emergency ; and ensure high quality and sustainable public services .
Through this budget the Scottish Government says it will deliver a ‘ record investment ’ of £ 21 billion in health and social care ; and increase capacity and access to primary care to shift the balance of care to preventative and community-based support and substantially reduce delayed discharges by working with local health and social care partnerships .
Commenting on the Scottish Government ’ s proposed budget , RCOT Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Scotland , Katie MacGregor , said : ‘ It ’ s
encouraging to see this record investment for health and social care , which the sector has been campaigning on for a long time .
‘ Occupational therapists are integral to tackling delayed discharge , supporting people in primary care as well as freeing up time for GPs , and supporting people to live safely and independently in their communities .
‘ A focus on reducing child poverty and supporting children with additional support needs is also welcomed . A 40 % increase in the housing support budget will be vital for occupational therapists to provide equipment and adaptations to people and save a considerable amount of money on long-term care plans .
‘ It ’ s essential that the Scottish Government has the finances to be able to deliver against these commitments made this year and deliver against future challenges . We will continue to advocate for investment in occupational therapy to deliver against the Scottish government ’ s commitments , and for the people and communities that we serve .’
The Scottish Budget for 2025 to 2026 was published on 4 December 2024 . To read more visit www . gov . scot / budget /.
6 OTnews January 2025