BLATCHFORD - Key Persons

Alastair Spurr - COO

Job Titles:

Group Operations Director
Member of the Leadership Team
Operations Director

Alastair joined Blatchford as Operations Director in Spring 2021 to set the strategic direction across Operations globally. He has led the global implementation of our fully integrated ERP platform, realising the benefits of standardised, efficient ways of working. His ability to focus his team on delivery and innovation has successfully enabled stronger performance capability and business growth. With over 25 years' experience managing FTSE250 manufacturing businesses at group board level, Alastair has successfully delivered group strategic objectives, maximising efficiencies and growth. His capability spans the full cross section of manufacturing from new product development, supply chain, quality, production management contracts and logistics through to delivery and after-market customer service, across several regulated industry sectors.

Bracken Pluckrose

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Orthotist

Caleb Rhynard

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US Regional Clinical Specialist ( West )

Caroline Desjardins

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Member of the Clinical Team
Principle Wheelchair Therapist

Hi I'm Caroline Desjardins, a qualified HCPC registered Occupational Therapist, and I hold an MA in Applied Health Studies, which has been instrumental in shaping my career. My focus has always been on clinical research and specialist clinics, a field I'm deeply passionate about. I serve as the National Clinical Lead for Wheelchairs at Blatchford Ltd. In this role, I support Blatchford-managed wheelchair services throughout the UK, strongly emphasising facilitating clinical excellence. I'm also a proud member of the private patient wheelchair and seating team, where we work closely to provide customised solutions. My journey in occupational therapy has been a diverse one. I began as a rotational therapist, gaining valuable experience in neurology, hand clinics, older adult units, and younger disabled units. From there, I transitioned into children's therapy, steadily working through all levels to eventually become the Clinical Lead for Children's Occupational Therapy Services. I was honoured to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Children's Services award. My journey took another exciting turn when I joined the Wheelchair and special seating service as a Clinical lead. In this capacity, I was privileged to develop the "One Child, One Chair" concept in collaboration with community children's services. This project garnered further recognition with the "Right to Care" award. One of the aspects of my career that I'm most passionate about is sharing knowledge and insights. I've had the privilege of presenting and lecturing nationally and internationally in the UK, Ireland, and the UAE, allowing me to connect with professionals and positively impact the field.

Chad Leggo

ch..@blatchfordus.com

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
VP Sales North America

Chad joined Blatchford in Sep 2021 with an extensive background in surgical device, bio tech, and engineering concepts. He is responsible for all customer facing activities in North America including sales, clinical, and customer service. Chad is keen to align our initiatives with the Advanced Technology portfolio to execute on our growth strategy. By doing this our sales and clinical team's are able to provide superior education and service. From Chad's history as a top level sales executive and award winning sales leader with businesses including Integra Life Sciences and Steelhead Surgical he is able to align himself with our teams by promoting ownership and change management to accomplish goals. Additionally, he challenges our team to live our vision and mission each day which in turn helps create the future of mobility so patients can realise their dreams. Chad has a degree in Science and Manufacturing Technology. Away from work he enjoys spending time in the Pacific Northwest with his family and two dogs.

Chad O'Connor

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US Regional Clinical Specialist ( Midwest )

Corin Smalley

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Orthotist

Corrin Glenn

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Member of the Clinical Team
Orthotist
Principal

I'm Corrin, the Principal Orthotist at the Blatchford Clinic in Sheffield. I graduated from Salford University in 2001 with a BSc in Prosthetic and Orthotics. Following graduation, I moved to Cardiff to work in NHS clinics as an orthotist.

Dave Cekovsky

Job Titles:

US Regional Clinical Specialist ( South East )

David Telford

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US Regional Clinical Specialist ( South Central )

Dominic Atta

Job Titles:

Member of the Clinical Team
Orthotist
Principal

Hello! I'm Dominic Atta, a highly qualified professional with a diverse background that has shaped my career journey. My current role is Principal Orthotist for Blatchford Private Clinic services in The South. I have a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Masters in Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics from LaTrobe University in Melbourne, Australia. I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Art from RMIT, where I focused on game design. In addition to my passion for healthcare, I hold an older Cert 4 in Personal Training and have undergone Bond Solon's "Excellence in Report Writing" training. My career started in game design, where I created therapeutic games to help children with Autism. This experience led me to shift my focus towards helping individuals with disabilities and diverse needs. After a stint in VFX, I embarked on a journey in prosthetics and orthodontics, starting my degree in 2015. I worked for Steeper, a company in London, where I gained experience across various NHS trusts and services. As a Senior Orthotist, I played a pivotal role in the Best Practice Group, contributing to developing evidence-based treatment guidelines. Additionally, I served as the training lead for the South East, imparting knowledge on spinal fracture management to acute care teams and training physiotherapists in the use of Orthotics in Neuro Rehabilitation and pediatric settings. Beyond my professional life, I lead a fulfilling personal life. I enjoy playing the bass guitar, and I'm committed to fitness and have completed a half-ironman this year. I also enjoy tabletop games and serve as an Army Reserve with the 4th Battalion, Princes of Wales's Royal Regiment. "What I love most about my job is the immediate impact I can make on people's lives, coupled with the intellectual satisfaction of problem-solving and the nuanced aspects of orthotic interventions. Sharing my knowledge with others is a rewarding aspect of my daily endeavours."

Dr Amit Sethi

Job Titles:

Member of the Advisory Board
Chief Medical Officer and Vice President Optum International

Dr David C. Rhew

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Member of the Advisory Board
Global CMO and VP of Healthcare for Microsoft

Elaine Nelson

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Member of the Clinical Team
Orthotist
Principal
Orthotist and Tectus® Specialist

My name is Elaine, and I'm an Orthotic Clinical Expert. I'm proud to specialise in Global Training and Education, as well as Research and Development, at Blatchford. From time to time I travel worldwide to support educational initiatives. My journey in orthotics started with a BSc (Hons) in Prosthetics and Orthotics, which provided me with a solid foundation for my career. I'm always learning and growing in my field, and I recently obtained the CUBS (Cardiff University Bond Solon) certification to stay at the forefront of my industry. I've had an exciting and diverse career path so far. After graduating from Strathclyde University, I worked with Hanger in Chicago, USA, for three years, where I had the unique experience of practising in a dual role. But I couldn't resist returning to the UK, where I joined Trulife, a private company, and served as their Southern Orthotic Manager for almost a decade. In 2017, I joined Blatchford as their Principal Orthotist for private practice. My role expanded to include legal work, and in 2021, I became more involved in developing high-level ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) devices, collaborating closely with the research and development team to create a cutting-edge microprocessor orthotic knee joint (MPKAFO). Today, I'm thrilled to be a specialist in this field and support educational events while contributing to advancing orthotic technology. What I love most about my job is sharing high-level orthotic clinical practices with fellow clinicians, both locally and internationally. It's so rewarding to present at global events and witness the transformative power of high-standard patient care as they experience improved mobility. When I'm not working, I'm an avid cook who enjoys experimenting with culinary creations. I also love travelling, exploring the world, and experiencing diverse cultures whenever possible. Fun fact about me: I have a musical past, having played the Eb tenor horn and cornet. Additionally, I've dabbled in horse show jumping, adding a touch of adventure to my life beyond the realm of orthotics.

Gill Atkinson

Job Titles:

Physiotherapist

Hi, I'm Gillian Atkinson, and I've had the pleasure of working as a Bank Physiotherapist at the Blatchford Private Clinic in Sheffield. My journey in the field of physiotherapy began back in 1983 when I earned my Diploma in Physiotherapy. Over the years, I've expanded my knowledge and expertise, including obtaining a Diploma in Amputee Management and participating in various amputee and prosthetic short courses and study days. These experiences have allowed me to specialise in amputee and limb absence rehabilitation. My career took me from Nottingham to New Zealand for a year and back to the UK, where I started as a locum before settling into a full-time role at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Since 1990, I've been deeply committed to amputee and limb absence rehabilitation, primarily as a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist. I've recently retired from my specialist role, but I continue to work with the fantastic team at the Northern General Hospital on a locum basis. I'm most proud of being one of the founding members of BACPAR (British Society of Amputee Physiotherapists in Limb Absence Rehabilitation) 30 years ago. I'm still actively involved in this community.

Gill Flemming

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Clinic Coordinator

Hi there! My name is Gill Flemming, and I am the Clinic Coordinator at Blatchford. I have been part of the Blatchford team since 2011, and since 2018, I have managed the orthotic services at Blatchford Private Clinic. My responsibilities include managing everything from Special Seating to Wheelchairs, Scoliosis clinic, and the intricacies of medico-legal work. However, what I love most about my job is connecting with our patients and being a part of the positive changes in their lives. It is gratifying! When not working, I relax and rejuvenate by spending time by the river in my touring caravan. Fun fact: I am all about creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Whether it is a quick chat with colleagues or helping a patient, I believe in making everyone feel at home. "I am thrilled to be part of the Blatchford team and am committed to ensuring your experience with us is professional, friendly, and exceptional. I look forward to connecting with you soon!"

Graham Buckley

Job Titles:

Member of the Clinical Team
Principal Prosthetist

I'm Graham! I work as a Principal Prosthetist in Basingstoke. I've got a master's degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics and a bachelor's degree in the same field. I've been helping lower-limb amputees in complex rehabilitation settings for nine years. When I'm not at work, I love staying active and having fun! You can find me exploring art, watching the latest movies, hitting the slopes for some snow sports, staying fit, and challenging myself on mountain biking trails. I'm adventurous - I once biked from Dublin down to the south of Spain! I can't wait to help you on your journey.