Orthopaedic trauma

The new network which aims to provide information, support and details of services available to people in South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire with a serious orthopaedic trauma, their family and carers has been launched.

The Orthopaedic Trauma Support Network, in association with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors in Sheffield, aims to conduct outreach visits enabling members who have experienced orthopaedic trauma to provide help and reassurance to those in a similar situation.

Through the network members can obtain access to specialist legal advice and other professional help.

Orthopaedic trauma solicitors

David Urpeth, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, and acting chair of the Orthopaedic Trauma Support Network said Whilst the medical facilities in the regions have an excellent reputation for treating people who have suffered a serious orthopaedic injury, there has always been a need for the provision of support and information to people who have sustained a serious orthopaedic injury.

It was clear when I spoke to my clients who have sustained serious orthopaedic injuries that there was a real need for such a support network.

I am pleased to be involved in the establishment of the Orthopaedic Trauma Support Network and to assist it in meeting its three aims of:-

1. Providing information and support for members;
2. Providing outreach support to people who have recently sustained a serious orthopaedic injury by people who have been through one themselves;
3. Providing access to expert legal and other professional help.

I am sure that the Network will be well received both by people who sustain a serious orthopaedic injury and by members of the medical profession.

Orthopaedic trauma advice

Network member, Timothy Kirk said, Even though the Orthopaedic Trauma Support Network has only recently been set up Ive already benefited from getting to know people and getting advice from other people who have been through the same ordeal as I have. Just knowing I am not alone has made me feel better.

Another Network member, Keith Waring said, When I needed to use an external fixator and later was given the option of an amputation, it was obviously a very distressing time and this was made much worse by having no one to talk to who had been through such surgery. The Network will visit hospitals and answer questions raised by people who have suffered a serious orthopaedic injury. The questions will be answered by people like me who have personally experienced what we will be talking about. I am sure this will make a great difference.

Another Network member, Marylyn Charlesworth said, When you suffer a serious orthopaedic injury, your life changes overnight. In many cases, there is a need for special aids and equipment. Such items are expensive. I only realised I could seek compensation for my injuries when by chance a friend advised me. The Network intends to ensure that people have ready access to legal and other professional help from people who specialise in this area.