Fylde coast physio shares innovative practice with world’s best

Simon Hayward

A senior Fylde coast physiotherapist is looking forward to the trip of a lifetime.

Simon Hayward is heading to Cape Town in South Africa next week to deliver a presentation in front of physiotherapists from across the world at the World Congress for Physical Therapy.

Simon, who has worked at Blackpool Victoria Hospital for five years, will be discussing his research into diagnostic lung ultrasound techniques, something he has become a national specialist on over the past couple years.

He said: “I am delighted to be able to promote the work we do at Blackpool to specialist physiotherapists from across the world.

“I prepared a poster about the technique that was accepted for the congress which was a huge honour.

“The poster is about the training programme we have developed at the Trust for this type of technique which is very much an up and coming field of study within my profession.

“It is a privilege for me and I am really looking forward to it. As well as talking about my own research I am sure I will learn so much from other leading figures at the three day congress and bring some of what I learn there back here.”

Talking about his specialist field he said:  “The use of lung ultrasound in physiotherapy is innovative within the NHS, and we are being asked to give talks to introduce the system and concept to physiotherapists up and down the country.

“By using the machine, physios are able to get more specific information to help with diagnoses.

“On a chest X-ray, a lot of fluid and tissue looks white, but with lung ultrasound you can differentiate between fluids and tissues and even between different types of fluids and tissues.

“That’s where the advantage comes in. We have had a few instances where this equipment has made a big difference to patients.”

Nick Lane, head of Therapies at the Trust, said: “We are in a very fortunate position to use funding from a research internship Simon has been participating in to allow him to attend the WCPT Congress in South Africa.

“This will enable Simon to promote the forward thinking approach he and his colleagues are taking in upskilling the Acute Physiotherapy Workforce at Blackpool Teaching Hospital.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for Simon and also promotes that we are a great place to work by empowering our staff to push the boundaries in developing their skills to improve patient care.’’

The WCPT Congress is held every two years by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.

The last congress, held in Singapore in 2015, attracted 3,500 physical therapists from 114 countries.

 

 

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