NHS Forth Valley’s Orthotics Team Lead, Lynne Rowley was bowled over to hear she had been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to the Allied Health Professions.

Lynne Rowley, Orthotics Team Lead

A member of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists since 1994, she has been actively working for the profession as a volunteer since 2004.

Lynne’s nomination was in recognition of her work and volunteer role with the Association. She has chaired the Conference, Education and Executive committees serving as Chair of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists for seven years and represented the profession at national and international levels. The role involved working alongside government, other professional health bodies and participating as a member of the Allied Health Professions Federation UK.

Commenting on her award, Lynne said: “Being awarded an MBE has come as a complete surprise. I am touched and honoured that my colleagues nominated me and that my years of voluntary work representing my profession in Scotland and worldwide have been recognised in this way.

“I have to thank my family for their support and patience over the years. To my husband for never saying no when I had to disappear to meetings over the weekend and my children for understanding when their mum was missing in action and never complaining when evenings disappeared as a result of out-of-hours meetings and telephone calls.”

Lynne belongs to a group of healthcare professional who provide prescription items such as insoles, braces, splints, callipers and footwear, which help people recover from or avoid injury, or live with lifelong conditions.

The correct supply and fitting of orthoses can help improve quality of life by reducing pain, keeping people mobile and independent and preventing more invasive and expensive interventions like surgery, amputation or the need for social care.