Orthotics team donate orthoses to Ukraine

The Orthotics Team at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital have donated several boxes of orthoses – including footwear, braces, splints and more – to Ukraine. 

The boxes, being donated via an organisation called Brace Orthopaedic, will soon make the 1,200-mile journey to Poland’s border with Ukraine, where they will then be distributed across the country dependent on specific need. 

Nikki Clarke, Orthotics Despatch Administrator, has coordinated the donations on behalf of the Orthotics Team at the Oswestry-based hospital. 

She said: “As a department, we were really keen to support in any way we could. We asked patients to drop off their old orthoses, and also found devices in the department that have since been discontinued, samples that have never been used, or orthoses that were produced but were no longer required by the patient. 

 
“We have already sent two boxes of orthoses and have several more boxes we will soon be sending thanks to everyone's support.” 

The Department of Orthotics helps to treat and rehabilitate patients by providing orthoses to aid movement, correct deformity and relieve discomfort.  

Orthoses are devices applied externally to the body to support, correct, prevent or compensate for a deformity or weakness. 

Jane Dewsbury, Principal Orthotist, said: “Like so many people around the world, we have watched on with great sadness at the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and we are humbled to be able to provide support in the form of orthoses to Ukraine and its people. 
 
“We hope that this small gesture goes some way to helping provide healthcare support to the many people who so desperately need it. 

“Thank you to all those patients who have donated their unused and unwanted devices as part of this initiative.” 

Brace Orthopaedic is an independent distributor of unique orthopaedic bracing products, focusing on sourcing and making available products that offer clinicians new treatment options and better patient outcomes.  

Brace Orthopaedic launched the #OrthoticstoUkraine campaign and started sending orthoses back in 2022.