Gillingham's Legacy

Historically medicine has been something that has been ‘done to you’. Dr. Elizabeth Hurren talks about Gillingham’s unique approach where he worked with the patient. All the limbs or support appliances he made for people were individualised to the person who they were being made for.

Making prosthetics is only part of the story. Fitting, stump care and impact on the wearer are equally as important. Here Clodagh Wheadon, who lives in a small village outside Chard, shares, with Kate Gray some of her reflections about wearing a prosthetic in her early life.

James Gillingham would, undoubtedly have been amazed by the work of Open Bionics, based in Bristol, just 50 miles from Chard. Additionally, he would have been enthralled to see the ‘blade’ and how it, and other developments have opened sporting opportunities for those with a disability.