A history of innovation
Dorset Orthopaedic through the years
As one of the UK's leading independent providers of prosthetic, orthotic, silicone and rehabilitation services, Dorset Orthopaedic has earned an unrivalled reputation for innovation. In our pursuit of excellence, we endeavour to break boundaries to achieve exceptional results.
Bringing a vision to life
Bob Watts launched Dorset Orthopaedic in 1989. An expert of international repute, Bob wanted to forge a company that set the standard for comfort, function and cosmetic appeal in prosthetic and orthotic devices. Beyond this, the team at Dorset Orthopaedic sought to offer a full package of rehabilitation support that would take care of people's every physical, practical and emotional need.
- 1976 Bob began his prosthetic career when he joined Hugh Steeper Limited at Roehampton on a four-year apprenticeship. During this time, he helped deliver the first myo-electric child’s prosthesis in the UK.
- 1978 a contract with the Lebanon saw Bob visiting Beirut to provide devices to young soldiers.
- 1980 Bob travelled to Baghdad to fit artificial limbs to soldiers and young children suffering limb-loss from the conflict with Iran.
- 1985 Bob joined German prosthetic company Otto Bock as Prosthetic Manager for the UK.
- 1989 Setting up Dorset Orthopaedic, the company secured a ten-year contract with the NHS to supply a prosthetic service to Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
- 1992 Bob became Prosthetist to the British Paralympic team and travelled with the team to the 1992 Paralympics, Barcelona, Spain.
- 1994 the Limbless Association awards Bob for skill and innovation in the field of prosthetics.
- 1995 Dorset Orthopaedic sets up as an independent prosthetic clinic at Headlands Business Park in Ringwood.
- 2001 Dorset Orthopaedic introduces a new Orthotic sevice.
- 2004 Dorset Orthopaedic receives the Queen's Award for Innovation, recognising our outstanding innovation in creating the SAFO.
Decades of achievement
Since launch, Dorset Orthopaedic has led the way in helping people live life without limits. Here are just some of the notable landmarks in the company's history:
- Extensive experience: Dorset Orthopaedic has fitted over 10,000 artificial limbs and limb support products.
- Longstanding partnerships: Dorset Orthopaedic has worked with the NHS for 10 years supplying prostheses.
- Recognising innovation: The company received the Queen's Award for Innovation in 2004, recognising our outstanding innovation in creating the SAFO (Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis). To date, we have sold over 3,000 SAFOs.
- Unrivalled expertise: The combined clinical experience of Dorset Orthopaedic's teams is over 210 years.
- Financial focus: Dorset Orthopaedic's financial strategy focuses on generating enough profit to reinvest into new innovations and paying staff a fair wage. Run by a clinician, it is committed not to delivering dividends, but on providing a market-leading service.
Take the step
To find out more about how Dorset Orthopaedic's passion for innovation can help you live life without limits
call +44 (0) 1425 481740 or email enquiry@dorset-ortho.com
