David Holmes
EMEA Business director
A simplified version of a
complex system
Family Doctor
Shop Pharmacy Nurse Blood X-ray Physio- Hospital
tests
therapy consultant
Very few exist due to improved
hospital and private facilities
offering better technology and
expertise
Only sell wheelchairs, walking aids,
crutches, seating accessories etc.
Only to the private market
Orthotics/Prosthetics/Rehabilitation
equipment supplied from hospitals
or specialist centres.
Hospital Consultant
Orthotics
Prosthetics
Physiotherapy
University education at O&P colleges
3 Years plus 2 years intern
Option of extra year to obtain Masters
Degree
Central Government
National Insurance
Patient Contribution
Pharmacy medication
GBP 7.40
Orthotic devices
Hosiery GBP 15.30
Fabric supports GBP 37.90
Prosthetics – standard limbs free
Rehabilitation equipment - free
Individual hospitals control their own
budget for the provision of orthotics,
prosthetics and rehabilitation
equipment



Mainly private companies
Competitive tenders (1-5 years) for
service and/or products
Few government workshops - excluded
from tender process

Competitive tenders for bulk purchase

Individually negotiated prices
Hospital
Care Home with resident nursing staff
Patient’s own home
Team decision
Equipment installed
Visiting nurses (24 hours if necessary)
Visiting therapists
Transport for hospital visits
National Institute for Clinical
Excellence
N.I.C.E.
Cost effectiveness
Product testing
Bio-engineers
Doctors
Therapists
Orthotists/Prosthetists
Function
Material testing
Clinical trials
Studies
Sweden is divided into 20 County Councils
each having its own O&P facility
7 owned by County Councils
13serviced by private companies selected by
tenders (3-5 years)
Facilities situated mainly in major hospitals
Same system as U.K.
Mostly qualified physicians
Family doctors
Physio. And Occupational Therapists
Custom made orthotics and prosthetics
funded by Social Security
(Taxation)
Ready made supports called “self care
devices” partly paid by patients
(Euros 25-65)
Orthopaedic Shoes
Patient pays Euros 35-60 children
Euros 75-120 adults
Chronic patients (rheumatoid arthritis,
diabetes, stroke etc) free of charge
Amputee patients receive limbs free
To return the patient to as near
normal function as possible
Thank you
for
your
attention