Specialist clinic steps up to support amputees and solicitors

Toby Carlsson and Carolyn Hirons

A specialist clinic in Greater Manchester has reached a major milestone supporting its patients who have experienced life-changing injuries.

Pace Rehabilitation was launched in 2003 by a small team of experienced clinicians who wanted to provide a more integrated approach to the treatment of people who had sustained limb loss.

The business has now expanded its geographical footprint and now employs 39 staff across two sites at Bredbury in Greater Manchester, and Amersham in Buckinghamshire.

It has now treated 3,000 patients from across the UK.

The company also works with researchers from some of the world’s leading universities, including Salford University and Strathclyde University, to provide expert input on research projects and participate in testing and advising on new technology as the sector evolves.

Patients are referred to the clinic by serious injury law firms, insurers and case managers who work with people who have sustained major trauma in a road accident or workplace incident.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak the business has evolved areas of its service to continue providing life-changing treatment and support for patients.

Toby Carlsson, founding director of Pace Rehabilitation, said: “As well as the physical rehabilitation, we also provide psychological rehabilitation for patients who are often traumatised by the incident which led them to seeing us and need treatment to help them cope mentally.

“All our work is aimed at enabling our patients to return to the quality of life they had before their life-changing incident.

“Anyone can become an amputee and we see people from all walks of life.

“Some patients have been involved in a motorcycle accident and need a lower limb amputation, whilst others have sustained an upper limb injury at work.

“They all have one thing in common, which is the need to get their lives back on track with minimum delay so they can go back to work and support their families.”

He added: “COVID-19 has certainly been a challenge for a business like ours which relies so heavily on physical appointments, but we adapted quickly and we are experienced in preparing risk assessments for every aspect of our clinic environment and easing the journey for patients who are often already anxious.”

Carolyn Hirons, director and physiotherapist at Pace Rehabilitation, said: “Like many others in private clinical practice we have followed the guidelines set out by the Government, professional bodies and NHS England and have responded to any changes to ensure we comply with all the necessary social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols whilst we’re dealing with our patients.

“It’s certainly been a challenge, but it is also hugely rewarding when we see people making progress in their rehabilitation and getting their life back after a major trauma, especially during this difficult time.

“Through the mix of practical steps we’ve taken at our clinics and technology such as the use of video consultations, we’re fully prepared for the post-COVID business environment.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with firms and insurance companies in the ‘new normal’ in providing our services and support to amputees all over the UK.”

The clinic manufactures bespoke prosthetic devices in-house.

Patients are assessed, measured and treated over several sessions to optimise their outcome.

As well as providing physical rehabilitation in the form of prosthetic and therapy input, the clinic also provides psychological support to safeguard the mental wellbeing of its patients who have often experienced a major traumatic event.

New technology used by the clinic enables patients who have lost part of their hand or fingers to have function restored.

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