The bare bones: Specialist orthopaedic centre receives model donation
The South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC), based at Epsom Hospital, has taken delivery of eight new models that will be used for research into osteoporosis (a condition which makes bones brittle and fragile) and to help explain different conditions and surgical procedures to patients. 
Epsom Medical Equipment Fund, which purchased the items for SWLEOC, spent almost £2,000 on arange of fully functional anatomical models. The Fund was able to purchase models of a number of key joints and body parts, including: knee, foot and ankle, hand and fingers, and elbow joints, as well as the lower back (also known as a lumbar spine) and a model that shows how osteoporosis can affect bones.
Sarah Langfield, Nurse Consultant, explained: “We are all so delighted withthe new models we have received! Sometimes it can be quite difficult to explain different conditions and procedures to patients, especially when they might not be feeling at their best. These new models will allow us to give simple visual demonstrations to our patients, helping them to understand more about their condition and the procedure that they may be need to undergo.
“We are hoping to set up some new Nurse Consultant clinics for osteoporosis, as well as undertaking further research in this field, and the new models will also be an integral part of this work going forward.”
The purchase of the new equipment was made possible thanks to a donation the Epsom Medical Equipment Fund received from a relative of a patient. Fund Co-ordinator, Bess Harding MBE, explained: “I am thrilled that we have been able to put the donation to such good use by purchasing these much-needed items. In total, we have spent almost £2,000 on brand new models to support the work of the SWLEOC team. I have written to the relative who made the donation to share some photographs of the new models, and to give them our sincere thanks.”
For more information about the work of the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC), please visit www.eoc.nhs.uk/.
For more information about Epsom Medical Equipment Fund and to find out how you can get involved, please visit www.emef.org.uk/ or www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/get-involved
