PhysioUpdate 8th November 2022

Members of the ortho-oncology therapy team at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) were excited and humbled when our division was named the ninth best orthopaedic hospital worldwide in the annual Newsweek poll. This poll, the results of which were released in September, highlighted that we’re the top UK specialist orthopaedic centre and the only UK hospital in the top 50 globally.

Ortho-oncology is a niche area that can go unrecognised and our team is very proud of the excellent patient care we are able to provide – despite the challenging years of Covid-19. Our primary ortho-oncology team treats people with sarcoma, benign tumours, myeloma and metastatic spinal cord compression. As one of the five dedicated bone and soft tissue cancer sites in the country, we have people travelling from different parts of the UK to have surgery and therapy input at RNOH. This can be for a small lump excision to a hemipelvectomy (where half of the pelvis is removed).

Consisting of five physiotherapists, three occupational therapists and a wonderful therapy tech, the team strives for excellence, innovation and compassion for our patients and staff. We are extremely lucky to have specialist amputee and paediatric therapy teams to ensure that patients no matter the surgery or age of individuals receive the best care to treat their sarcoma.

When he retires next month Ipswich-based physiotherapist Brian Simpson can look back on a long and illustrious career that began – very appropriately – in 1996, a year etched into England’s footballing history. 

As the nation basked in the glory of winning the World Cup final at Wembley, Brian began working in the NHS. A career shift happened when the celebrated manager Sir Bobby Robson asked Brian to become Ipswich Town FC’s physio in the early 1970s – a period which saw the club enjoy a period of unparalleled success on the field in the old First Division and in Europe. Sir Bobby went on to become England's manager from 1982-1990.

With his experience at Ipswich under his belt, Brian was appointed as physiotherapist with the England Youth team. He left the world of professional football to concentrate on private practice in 1977.

Christmas farewell

In a farewell letter to patients and colleagues, written at the end of last month on notepaper headed The Physiotherapy Health Centre, Brian announced plans to retire just before Christmas – signalling the imminent end of a career spanning 56 years.

The letter notes that Brian developed a keen interest in the healing of fractures and post-fracture rehabilitation. He studied with academics in Wiesbaden, West Germany, and began combining electrotherapy modalities in a bid to cut healing times.

Brian continued to establish international links as his career flourished. Indeed, potential patients from countries such as the USA, Poland, Ireland, Holland and Croatia who visit his website today receive the following advice. 'Please contact the clinic to discuss available appointments before booking flight/boat tickets.'

Distinguished Service Award

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy recently gave Brian a Distinguished Service Award. 'This award recognises Brian’s contribution and outstanding service to the Society for excellence in an area of service to the benefit of others over a minimum 10 year period,' the clinic's website states proudly.

As well prominent footballers, international drivers and riders from fields including speedway, banger, superbike, cycling and horse riding have flocked over the decades to his practice, which will close its doors on Brian’s retirement. Photographs featuring some of Brian’s patients from the sporting world adorn the walls of his clinic, many containing messages of thanks.

Among those sending congratulations to Brian on his retirement announcement was Physio First, which represents physiotherapists in private practice in the UK. Physio First tweeted: ‘You have been wise support for Physio First for many years. Thanks.’

The clinic, where Brian works with fellow physiotherapist Pamela Simpson, describes itself as being staffed by ‘specialists in the treatment of high speed trauma and fractures, as well as all musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain'.

Twitter: @physiohealthltd

To find out more about Brian’s career, visit:https://www.physioclinic.net/about-us/

To find out more about Physio First, visit: https://www.physiofirst.org.uk