Update : 28th October, 2012.
Dear Member
Update # 08 / 2012.
-
COIDA matters – the latest developments.
SAOPA Congress 2012 – thanks to all delegates & exhibitors.
ISPO SA tour group to Hyderabad – two places still available.
South African Federation of Orthotists & Prosthetists formed.
Welcome to seven new members & three new practices!!
Time has really flashed by since our last Update on 31st July, and although we did not circulate an
Update since then, you should have received four “News Flashes”, as follows:
- 15th August
- Congress final program and Notices of AGM’s
- 8th October - Advert for Academic Staff for the new O&P School at DUT
- 14th October - Proposed tour group to ISPO World Congress in Hyderabad, February, 2013.
- 17th October - Final call for those interested in the Hyderabad tour group.
Plenty has happened since our successful Congress at Ballito, and a snapshot of some of the more
important happenings were as follows:
- The Olympics and Paralympics were a spectacle of note, and great exposure for our profession.
- The SAOPA Congress was held at Ballito, 5th to 8th September. Story included in this Update.
- COIDA Task Team meeting held on 18th September at Compensation House. Story included.
- HPCSA Education Committee meeting held on 19th September.
- SAOPA & MOPASA unity meeting held on 19th September. Story included in this Update.
- National Accreditors Forum meeting held on 2nd October. More details in our next Update.
- Bid document for ISPO World Congress 2017 submitted on 5th October. Story in next Update.
SAOPA Congress 2012 – Summary of all the happenings:
Not even three days of torrential rain and strong winds could dampen the spirits of the 120 delegates
and 50 exhibitor delegates who converged on La Montagne Resort, Ballito, for the annual SAOPA
Congress, from 6th to 8th September.
Hosts Brian & Nicci McKibbin, along with the great La Montagne team, ensured that everything
ran smoothly, even though the flooding did cause some hic-ups. The sun decks at the front of the
hotel were meant to be the venues for both breakfasts and lunches, almost on top of the beach, but
instead, this area was inches under water, forcing plans to be altered and expo areas were shifted
and eating areas were moved around. Our thanks to all the Exhibitors for their understanding.
Two very special guests were flown in, compliments of Otto Bock. FATO Executive Board member,
Harold Shangali, arrived from Tanzania, and Ali Cisse, the deputy secretary of FATO, flew in from
Abijan, Cote de Ivoire, adding an international flavour to proceedings. There were also delegates
from Lesotho and Namibia, so it was a major southern African event for the profession.
Twenty Expo stands were set up and the Exhibitors went all out to impress the O&P who spent two
and a half days at the resort, soaking up knowledge and information from the top class line-up of
local and international speakers. Grateful thanks are extended to all the presenters.
After the opening addresses on Thursday morning, by Allan Oates (SAOPA) and Mike Barkley
(ISPO SA), both Harold Shangali and Ali Cisse gave separate overviews of the work that FATO,
the African Federation of Orthopaedic Technologists, does throughout the continent. Product
specialist, Drikus Reinecke, then spoke on the latest Otto Bock products and Andrew Lindstrom
(Ripple Effect Consulting) brought everyone up to speed on the Orthotic Digital revolution.
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After the lunch break, Katy Farr (Ossur) spoke on OA bracing and Dr Wim de Klerk (Medis) spoke on
stump bandaging and compression pitfalls. Johan le Grange (Ossur) spoke on TT seal in liners and
after tea delegates attended the ISPO SA AGM, where the new committee was elected for a three
year term. The COIDA team held a session with Suppliers and then delegates partied the night away
at the Ossur Braai evening with great music provided by the resorts resident band.
Day two, Friday, began with Dr Wim de Klerk talking on DVT prevention, followed by Indemnity
Insurance guru, Kristy Carr (CFP Brokers), who spoke on insurance protocols, HPCSA complaints
and CPA issues. This was followed by an interactive session with the COIDA staff, who also manned
a help-desk for the duration of the Congress.
After tea, Johan le Grange presented the new Symbionic Limb from Ossur, and then Dr Paul Hurrion
presented the Quintic Kinematic Footscan for sportspersons. David de Magtige then spoke on the
Endolite Elan ankle and Orion Knee. After the lunch break delegates attended the SAOPA AGM,
where four new faces were elected to an expanded Executive committee.
The SAOPA Gala Dinner, sponsored by DJO Global, followed on Friday evening, in the Pumpkin
Theatre, where the delegates had also spent time in lectures. The theatre had been transformed and
the hotel laid on a great spread. The formalities included some special awards, and Knight Medical
walked off with the sought after “Best Expo stand” trophy. Last years champions, Ossur, were
second, with Otto Bock a close third. Several other stands received a notable mention.
The two FATO representatives, who assisted in starting unity talks between SAOPA and MOPASA,
received special recognition, as did SAOPA chairman, Allan Oates, and ISPO SA chairman, Mike
Barkley, who were both unanimously re-elected to their posts at the respective AGM’s. Congress
organisers Brain and Nicci McKibbin were also acknowledged for their hard work, as were the top
TUT students. The Best Practical Student was Norman Campbell and the Best Academic and Best
Overall student awards went to Mitch Venter. Both were unfortunately not able to attend Congress.
Following the awards, the Pumpkin Theatre rocked to the sounds of Danny Fischer and the three
Blondes, with an amazing array of song and dance out of the top drawer. The crowd rocked and the
evening will long be remembered by those who attended. It was a fantastic show!!
Discovery Health sponsored the CPD scanning system and most delegates were able to notch up
15 valuable CEU’s for their annual portfolios. Saturday morning started with an hour long
demonstration by Mike Barkley on TF casting, followed by Jolize Gerber (DJO Global) who spoke on
concepts in hip injury management. Drikus Reinecke (Otto Bock) spoke on Future Prosthetics.
Rodin4D techniques for scoliosis treatment and casting were presented by Mickael Guimberteau,
before Allan Oates closed proceedings and delegates headed home.
It was another great Congress, and typical of murphy’s law, the sun was out and the beach weather
appeared as most had to leave for home. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Congress team of
Brian & Nicci McKibbin who were fantastic and everything ran smoothly. Grateful thanks to all the
delegates, sponsors and exhibitors for their wonderful support, and the La Montagne Resort team
were most accommodating, supportive and friendly.
New members elected to the SAOPA Executive Committee:
The AGM re-appointed the entire outgoing executive committee and four newcomers were added
to an extended Exco committee for the new year. We welcome and congratulation the 4 newcomers,
Pearl Boshof, Heinrich Grimsehl, Gavin Shnier and Sikhumbuzo Vanto.
At the Exco meeting held immediately after the AGM, Allan Oates was unanimously re-elected as
Chairman and Silas Gidzha as vice-chairman. Re-elected committee members are Mike Barkley,
Rowan Berkowitz, Jan Brand, Johan Burger, Riaan Knight, Tanya le Roux, Brian McKibbin,
Jacques Swanepoel and Neil van der Merwe. We thank all of them for their continued service to
the association. The 17 member Exco includes Fritz Luttich (ALF) and the SAOPA Administrator.
More AGM news will be included in the next Update. The annual reports are available for interested
members, and these will be emailed on request.
Thanks to all members who attended the Annual General Meeting on 7th September
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Unity talks within profession result in the formation of SAFOP:
At the recent SAOPA Congress, it was agreed that another meeting between SAOPA and MOPASA
would be held in JHB, after the HPCSA meeting on 19th September. This duly happened and we are
pleased to report that the new South African Federation of Orthotists & Prosthetists, SAFOP,
was founded, with the joint chairpersons being Allan Oates and Piet Moopa (MOPASA).
Work has now started on the drafting of a constitution and the finalization of a logo and all the other
necessary procedures. More info will be included in our next Update, but it is important to note that
both SAOPA and MOPASA will retain their own identities and structures, but will work together in the
new umbrella body which will become the voice for all O&P matters.
COIDA news : SAOPA and CF meeting held on 18th September:
Members of the SAOPA Exco team met with COIDA staff on 18th September and it was agreed that
ALF proceed to request the relevant information from Suppliers to construct a proposed ALF COIDA
list for 2013. This process involved many hours of work by Jako Calitz and his ALF team and we are
pleased to report that the proposed list was submitted to CF officials on 15th October, 2012.
As soon as we receive some feedback, Exco will be advised and we will keep members updated. It
is hoped that a complete, accurate and comprehensive list will be effective from 1st April, 2013. Many
other aspects were also discussed and more information will be provided in our next Update.
COIDA approvals and authorizations:
- COIDA guarantees that quotations will be processed within 10 days. If there is any delay with your
approval, make direct contact with the COIDA team, who will investigate and resolve the matter.
- Once an approval is issued, the practitioner must provide the service within 60 days, from date of
approval. If not done, the CF reserves the right to get another practitioner to provide the service.
COIDA payments to O&P practitioners:
- The CF target is to process and pay invoices within 60 days of the service provided to the patient.
- There are still problems with the new CF system, and these should be resolved soon.
- If the CF owes you money, send details to the SAOPA office, for intervention with CF officials.
Senior O&P retires after 38 years dedicated service to the profession:
Johan Rossouw has decided to retire from the profession at the end of February, 2013, after 38
years of dedicated service. Johan completed his training in 1978 at the Orthotic and Prosthetic
Centre at the Red Cross hospital. Initially he was in charge of the Spinal and Scoliosis clinic at
Tygerberg and local hospitals. He was later promoted to Principal O&P and placed in charge of the
whole Western Cape rural clinics, which stretched from Springbok, Beaufort West, Oudtshoorn,
George and Knysna. He ran these clinics with distinction and is still remembered by many of the
nursing staff and doctors at these clinics.
In 1994 he resigned from the O&P centre and joined Orthocare, where he has run the Somerset
West branch for the past approximately 20 years. Johan will retire to his holiday house at Betty’s
Bay where he will pursue his hobbies. These hobbies include fishing, making beautiful handmade
hunting and folding knives and restoring antique furniture. He is also a keen hunter and clay pigeon
shot. Johan will be seriously missed by all of Orthocare, both for his technical expertise and keen
sense of humour.
Paul Hepburn wishes Johan all of the best for his future and is happy that he will not be totally lost
to the profession, as Johan is willing to fill in locum positions where required. This will be an
asset to any O&P practice, as Johan will bring a vast amount of experience to those who wish to
utilize him in a locum position. SAOPA certainly extends their best wishes to Johan and we wish him
many happy years of healthy and active retirement.
Established O&P Practice for Sale!
An established O&P practise is for sale in the Western Cape. Extensive patient database and all
integral workshop machinery included. Please direct your serious enquiry to the SAOPA Office, and
the seller will contact respective buyers!
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Do you want to be HPCSA accredited to host Interns?
Practices that want to be accredited by the HPCSA for internships, must complete the attached
form and forward annexure 2 to the following fax number: 086 503 6841. The HPCSA are busy
setting out dates for evaluation, therefore the sooner you apply, the sooner you will be evaluated. All
new applicants will not be allowed to take in interns without the evaluation.
Centres that are currently busy with interns already applied and are granted accreditation, and they
already have an evaluation date. This notice is therefore for anyone who wants to start the process.
If you have any enquiries, you can contact Mariette Schmidt at TUT on 012 – 382 4794, but please
note that this is not a TUT issue, but a HPCSA matter.
SAOPA membership news – welcome to seven new O&P:
Three new practices have signed up, effective from 1st October, and we welcome:
- Sean Adams CPO, based in Ballito, KZN
- Sandi Mboya O&P, based in Southernwood, East London
- Hannes Steyn Orthopaedics, based in Malmesbury
We also welcome three O&P who joined practices recently:
- Nicolaas Coetzer joined AC Potgieter on 1st June
- Craig Lishman joined Barkley Oates on 1st June.
- Rinus Crous joined Golding Human Inc on 1st July
We are also aware of two practitioners who have moved on after being listed at member’s practices:
- Danie Botes has left Berkowitz Shnier van Niekerk Inc
- Johan le Grange left Barkley Oates at the end of May and joined Ossur.
Elmi van der Schyf, formerly of Goldings vd Schyf, has now joined as an individual and she will be
available for locum work. She is based in Pretoria. Contact her on 082 921 9105. Welcome back!!
Andri Visser, based in Pretoria, cell: 082 524 7181, is another member who is available for locums.
Sarel Du Plessis is now practicing under his own name, having changed from his former practice
name of Stellenbosch Orthopaedics, to be HPCSA compliant.
Johan Rossouw, who runs Paul Hepburn’s practice in Somerset West, will be retiring at the end of
February, 2013, and Paul is looking for someone who is keen to work at this practice. See advert.
For 2012 we now have a record 131 practices and six individuals, totalling 137 listings, with a record
224 practitioners listed.
Still waiting for your 2012 SAOPA membership package?
Six packages were recently returned to us after not being collected from the respective PO counter.
The following must please advise the office of their correct postal addresses: Abram Mnguni,
Marissa Nel, Paulani Hunt, Marius Sevenster, JP Swart, Irmgard Basson.
Are you CPD compliant?
We have heard that the HPCSA intends auditing every registered practitioner for CPD compliance by
the end of this year, so if you have not received your notice, it is probably in the post. Ensure that
your records are up to date and be ready. Remember that the audit covers a two year cycle, and you
need 30 points per year, of which 5 must be ethics. About ten non-members were recently struck off
the roll for non-compliance, so it is a serious matter. Always be compliant, and be prepared!!
Please note that the 2013 version of the ALF “Guide to Billing” has already been distributed to all
funders and it will be effective as from 1st January, 2013. SAOPA CD’s containing this new guide will
be issued to all members who sign up for 2013, as from mid December.
10TH BIENNIAL SASCA CONGRESS
22 – 24 November 2012
The Pavilion Conference Centre, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town
Interested? Contact the SAOPA office and full details will be emailed to you.
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Etana Professional Indemnity Insurance scheme for SAOPA members:
Our Etana policy is administered by CFP Brokers cc, and your contact person is Kristy Carr:
w) 011 – 794 8166.
cell) 082 330 5829
fax) 086 – 553 5547.
email) kristy@cfpbrokers.co.za
Please immediately notify Kristy, in writing, of any potential claim or complaint or HPCSA complaint
that might arise. Remember that an important condition of our Etana policy is that timeous
notification of any incident is crucial. If in doubt, contact Kristy, or the office. Even if you are notified
of a Peer Review investigation, notify Kristy. Do not respond directly to HPCSA on any complaint
that you may receive. Immediately contact Kristy if you receive any letter of complaint / enquiry.
Our Etana cover is on a claims-made basis. ie. in order to be covered a member needs to be a paidup member- at the time that they render the service which gives rise to the claim and at the time that
they notify CFP of the claim or potential claim against them and the cover needs to be uninterrupted
between the service rendered and the claim notification. If in doubt, contact the SAOPA office.
Are your patient records up-to-date and complete?
One of our members recently paid a R5000 fine to the HPCSA because his records were not 100%
complete and up-to-date. Please remember that you must keep full records of every patient and you
must also have, on file, a signed letter of consent from the patient agreeing to the charges levied for
your services rendered. More info will be included in the next Update.
Thebe ya Bophelo Healthcare – HOSMED important notice attached:
Thebe Ya Bophelo took over the administration of HOSMED medical aid on 20th October, 2011, and
Angeline Ngatane Mpfuni, Provider Relations officer for Thebe Ya Bophelo Healthcare, requested us
to inform all members of the latest developments relating to Hosmed. Please refer to the attached
document. For more info, contact Angeline on 011 – 544 8873 or email: mpfunia@tybhealth.co.za
Medical Aid hassles? Send the details to the SAOPA office and we will investigate.
Eight positions for qualified O&P – check out these opportunities:
Advert 1 = Paul Hepburn needs an O&P for his practice in Somerset West.
Please contact Paul Hepburn for more info. Telephone: 021 - 946 1717 or 082 881 4646.
Fax your CV to: 021 - 946 4668, or email it: ortho.c@mweb.co.za
Advert 2 = Therese Grobler needs an O&P to work at her practice in Middelburg.
This position is available from January, 2013, and it is a full-time position under the supervision of an
O&P. Therese is looking for a student that is preferably doing B.Tech in 2013, and the student will be
allowed to attend classes when necessary. Alternatively, any young qualified O&P is welcome to
apply. Please forward your CV to: theresegrobler@yahoo.com or send it to the SAOPA office.
Advert 3 = Qualified young O&P required at a Durban practice.
Permanent position. Interested? Email your CV and a short motivation to saopa@telkomsa.net
Advert 4 = O&P practice looking for a qualified O&P to work in Johannesburg.
Minimum qualification: N.Dip O&P. Registered with HSPCA. Preferably aged 20’s, in good health.
Salary & benefits are negotiable. To start asap. Please send your CV to saopa@telkomsa.net
Advert 5 = Dynamic O&P urgently required by an established JHB practice.
Another confidential appointment. Partnership possibilities will be discussed with the successful
applicant. Please send your CV to saopa@telkomsa.net
Advert 6 = Kurt Bartsch urgently needs a qualified O&P to join his practice in Newcastle.
It could be an experienced O&P, or a recently qualified young male or female. Interested? Please
contact Kurt: 082 802 0442, or Sharon: 079 523 8995 or the office: 034 - 317 3366.
Advert 7 = Riaan Knight O&P has a Partnership opportunity in Port Elizabeth.
Ideally a young and qualified O&P, no capital input required. Please forward your detailed CV to:
a.grundling@gmail.com or agrundling8@mweb.co.za
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Advert 8 = Antonie Schutze urgently needs a young, dynamic O&P, with RS Foot scan experience,
to work in his new practice in Midstream Estates. Send CV’s to: antonie@preventrunnerslab.co.za
For more details, contact Antonie on 012 940 9597 or 082 922 1506.
Newly qualified O&P looking for work:
Andreia Paulo has forwarded his CV to the SAOPA office in the hope of finding some work. He
finished his degree in September, 2012, and would like to work in South Africa to get more
experience and increase his knowledge. Contact the office or email him: filipa_pp@hotmail.com
ISPO 2013 in Hyderabad, India: Plan to be there!!
Two “News Flashes” were circulated with all the details of the ISPO SA tour group, and there are
still two places available. Interested? Book your place now!! Send an email to the office to reserve
your spot. Costings are being finalised, and invoices will soon be sent to the 18 confirmed travellers.
It is not too late…….…you can still be part of this experience…….. call the office if you are keen.
Contact ISPO SA at saopa@telkomsa.net for more information. Whatever you do, plan to be there!!
RS Footscan international machine for sale:
Gregory Anagnostou [email:gregory.anagnostou@gmail.com] has a RS footscan international 2 D
machine for sale and his asking price is R65 000.00 for the unit. If interested, please contact Greg
via email or call him on cell: 071 792 5550. He has been in contact with Knight Medical, who are the
agents, and they will give support when the machine is sold. It was manufactured in February, 2007.
SAOPA stock items: email your orders to the office: saopa@telkomsa.net
SAOPA prosthetic carry bags : AK bags = R135-00 and BK bags = R125-00 + postage.
SAOPA prosthetic arm carry bags : dark blue or stone colour = R110-00 + postage.
SAOPA prosthetic patient folders : R9-50 each + postage. Pink or manilla / buff.
SAOPA Brochure boards : R75-00 + postage. Brochures are supplied free.
eCPD credits : Minimum purchase of 10 credits at R43-00 per credit.
Orthotic Files: Would you be interested in buying stock from SAOPA? Please let us know soonest.
The design is almost finalised, and this generic folder will possibly be A4 folded to A5, to fit into the
Tidy File box system. Dependent on interest, we might order 1000 stock items. Email the office.
Have you tried the customized SAOPA prosthetic folders? Available in two colours.
Have you considered giving prosthetic patients a special carry bag for their limb?
Plenty of stock……..order now!!
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National Office: Telephone = 041 - 581 7390. Fax = 088 - 041 - 581 7390.
yahoo.com email addresses continue to give us problems, and we cannot continue sending emails
to such addresses. If you use yahoo, please send us an alternative email address for future use.
Need extra CPD points? Register for eCPD and email the SAOPA office with your request for
credits. Once loaded onto your portfolio, study the documents, write the online test and claim the
online points. It is simple, quick and efficient, and you do it in your own time.
Outstanding monies owed to SAOPA? Please ensure that all outstanding fees are settled by mid
November, as Invoices for 2013 will be circulated by late November.
Our next SAOPA update for 2012 will be circulated early November. Please send us your news!!
Kind Regards
Allan Oates
Chairman
082 320 3946
Stanford Slabbert
Administrator
082 9900 907
Attachments x 2 : - Hosmed service providers letter from Thebe Ya Bophelo Healthcare. (2 pages)
- HPCSA circular re Accreditation for Internship training (13 pages)
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