Epsom man invents machine to treat broken bones (From Epsom Guardian)

Epsom man invents machine to treat broken bones

8:30am Wednesday 15th February 2012 in News By Lauren May

A senior orthopaedic technician at Epsom Hospital has invented a new machine to mend broken bones.

Jim Hendry, who has worked at the hospital for 13 years, came up with the idea for the machine which moves broken wrist bones into their correct position before being put in plaster making it easier and less painful for patients.

The device, developed by Mr Hendry with the support of the A&E team and designed by his business partner Chris Whipp, cost £2,400 and was presented to the hospital’s deputy director of Nursing Julie Sobrattee personally funded by Surrey County Councillors, Eber Kington, Chris Frost, Jan Mason and Colin Taylor.

Mr Hendry said: "This device isn’t magically going to make everything better, but it does mean that the process of re-setting the bone is more efficient and less painful for our patients.

"It also means we can treat people faster which is a great comfort to the people that we see who are in pain.

"Both Chris and I are incredibly proud of the new traction device, and we are very pleased to say that it’s already making a huge difference to the people that we are seeing and treating."

Early studies show patients using the device are less likely to need a later operation to correct broken bones.