“It’s like one big family at Sheffield Children’s – I have been so welcomed into my role”

“It’s like one big family at Sheffield Children’s – I have been so welcomed into my role”

Fran Makey – Lead Orthotist

Fran first studied Civil Engineering – but later decided to change her career direction.

She said: “I felt I wanted a career helping people directly in a healthcare setting and I have definitely found that in Orthotics.”

An Orthotist is a clinician who assesses, orders and fits patients with various braces and appliances to either support, protect, prevent deterioration, immobilise or enhance body parts.

Some examples of these devices – called orthoses – are knee braces, insoles, footwear, helmets, leg braces, wrist braces, spinal braces, neck braces and hip braces.

Since graduating with a degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics in 2009, Fran has been based at Sheffield Children’s, the Northern General Hospital and Specialist Schools. In January 2021, she became Lead Orthotist at Sheffield Children’s.

Fran said: “I have noticed how enthusiastic and dedicated staff are at Sheffield Children’s and it’s like one big family. I have been so welcomed into my role as Lead Orthotist. The priority is the patients and it really shows.”

In her role, Fran supports children with many different conditions and disabilities including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down’s syndrome, developmental delay and flat feet.

She said: “I love my job because I help to treat and rehabilitate patients by aiding their mobility using external devices. I meet some wonderful patients and parents and every day is different.”

The Orthotics team has a clinic room in the hospital, as well as a workshop where they can adjust devices. They work closely with many other teams across the Trust – including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Consultants, Admin, Plaster Technicians, Support Workers, Play Specialists and Clinical Scientists – as well as visiting patients on wards who need Orthotic devices.

Fran said: “Working at Sheffield Children’s is rewarding, challenging, varied and most of all – awesome! I work alongside some great people and respect each and every one of them for making a positive difference to young people’s lives.

“Some of my favourite moments here are working in the Plaster Room with all the amazing staff telling jokes and helping to make the patients feel at ease. It really is teamwork, and we support each other whenever possible creating a more relaxing environment for the kids.”

Having two children herself, Fran said: “I am so lucky to have Sheffield Children’s on my doorstep if they ever needed medical treatment. My oldest son always asks if he can come to work with me, and if he was allowed, I think he would have a blast with all the wonderful friendly staff!”

Thank you Fran, and the Orthotics team, for the work you do! If you are interested in joining Fran and our welcoming Orthotics team, take a look at our current vacancies page.