Sponsor opportunities still available
Contact kirsti@hobbsrehabilitation.co.uk
POSTER PRESENTATION
The MiNT Academy invites you to participate in MiNT UK 2024. Join us to showcase your work and engage in enriching discussions with diverse professionals at the event.
The top submissions will be selected for our poster presentation session whereby you will be asked to present during the conference.
MiNT UK will be accepting two different types of abstracts:
1) Scientific abstracts
2) Clinical abstracts
Abstracts can be submitted through the online form and must be a maximum of 2000 characters.
Submissions are now closed.
08:30 - 09:00
Registration
Tea/coffee, exhibition stands and networking
09:00 - 09:15
Welcome
Chrissy Bibby
Events Lead at The MiNT Academy
Events Lead at The MiNT Academy
09:15 - 10:00
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Here and Promises Many Things but What Will Our Clients Gain From It and Why?
Richard Cave
MND SLT Project Manager at Motor Neurone Disease Association
10:00 - 11:00
Attention - Strolll Call: Neurorehab Has a Reality (DTx®) Check
Caroline Gill
Highly Specialist Physiotherapist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Katy Saunders
Highly Specialist Physiotherapist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Katy Saunders
Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Navigating the Complexity of Rehabilitation Technologies - Lessons from Research and Practice
Dr Rachel Stockley
Physiotherapist & Associate Professor in Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation at University of Central Lancashire
Physiotherapist & Associate Professor in Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation at University of Central Lancashire
Eye Digital Biosignals to Guide Cognitive Rehab
Dr Damon Hoad
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at Inspire Neurocare Worcester
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at Inspire Neurocare Worcester
11:00 - 11:30
Refreshment Break
Tea/coffee, exhibition stands and networking
11:30 - 12:15
Digitally-enabled Neurorehab: Challenges and Opportunities
Ellis Parry
Co-founder and CEO at neumind
Luke Parry
Co-founder and CEO at neumind
Luke Parry
Co-founder, Chief Product Tester and Brain Injury Survivor
12:15 - 12:35
Poster Presentations
MiNT UK 2024 is accepting poster submissions for the first time this year. Selected posters will have the stage for a FastForward presentation to present their work.
Our judges will evaluate the submitted posters and reveal the winner during the summary scheduled for 17:15.
Our judges will evaluate the submitted posters and reveal the winner during the summary scheduled for 17:15.
12:35 - 13:05
Bringing Education and Documentation in Therapy into the 21st Century
Laura Marriott
Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Gernot Greimler
Co-CEO & CTO at tech2people
Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Gernot Greimler
Co-CEO & CTO at tech2people
13:05 - 13:20
Speed Dating
Our Gold Exhibitors, representing prominent tech companies, will have the exclusive opportunity to introduce their innovations on stage back-to-back for 2 minutes.
13:20 - 14:30
Lunch
Exhibition stands & networking
14:30 - 15:10
Break-out Session
Parallel Activities:
- Neurotechnology exhibition in the Atrium and Cavendish rooms
- A Speech and Language Therapy seminar from Chrissy Bibby and Richard Cave in the Auditorium to discuss the clinical application of neurotechnology in the world of SLT
15:10 - 15:50
Sustaining Innovation in Rehabilitation Technology: Creating a Strategic Plan
Dr Abayomi Salawu
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
The Disruptive Guinea Pig
Alex Lewis
Quadruple Amputee
Quadruple Amputee
15:50 - 16:35
Focal Muscle Vibration for Reduction in Muscle Tone in the Stroke Population: A Feasibility Study
Lizzie Williams
Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Dr Amit Pujari
Associate Professor (Reader) in Biomedical Engineering at University of Hertfordshire
Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Dr Amit Pujari
Associate Professor (Reader) in Biomedical Engineering at University of Hertfordshire
16:35 - 17:15
Panel Discussion
Panelists
Richard Cave
MND SLT Project Manager at Motor Neurone Disease Association
Ellis Parry
Co-founder and CEO at neumind
Helen Hobbs
Co-founder and Director at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Dr Damon Hoad
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at Inspire Neurocare Worcester
Dr Amit Pujari
Associate Professor (Reader) in Biomedical Engineering at University of Hertfordshire
Chair
Chrissy Bibby
Events Lead at The MiNT Academy
Richard Cave
MND SLT Project Manager at Motor Neurone Disease Association
Ellis Parry
Co-founder and CEO at neumind
Helen Hobbs
Co-founder and Director at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Dr Damon Hoad
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at Inspire Neurocare Worcester
Dr Amit Pujari
Associate Professor (Reader) in Biomedical Engineering at University of Hertfordshire
Chair
Chrissy Bibby
Events Lead at The MiNT Academy
17:15 - 17:30
Summary
Poster Presentation winner revealed
Chrissy Bibby
Events Lead at The MiNT Academy
Events Lead at The MiNT Academy
17:30 - 19:30
Final Refreshments
Exhibition stands and networking
19:30
The Atrium & The Cavendish Room Close
MINT UK 2024 SPEAKERS
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Chrissy Bibby
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist & Events Lead
The MiNT Academy
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Chrissy has worked in the field of adult acquired neurological speech and language therapy for over 15 years, initially in the NHS before joining Hobbs Rehabilitation, where she leads the Speech & Language therapy team. Clinically, she has a special interest in motor speech disorders and rehabilitation of the facial nerve.
Chrissy trained as a teacher before embarking on her career in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys using her teaching skills in all areas of her work with Hobbs Rehabilitation and MiNT.
As Events Lead for The MiNT Academy, Chrissy is embracing the opportunity to discuss with fellow clinicians, academics and industry partners the benefits of using neurotechnology with our communication impaired clients, while encouraging further development in this vital area.
Chrissy trained as a teacher before embarking on her career in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys using her teaching skills in all areas of her work with Hobbs Rehabilitation and MiNT.
As Events Lead for The MiNT Academy, Chrissy is embracing the opportunity to discuss with fellow clinicians, academics and industry partners the benefits of using neurotechnology with our communication impaired clients, while encouraging further development in this vital area.
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Richard Cave
MND SLT Project Manager
Motor Neurone Disease Association
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Richard Cave is a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), working with the MND Association and with Google Research, providing specialist Speech Therapy consultancy to the technology teams.He is also PhD candidate at University College London, national adviser to Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists for MND and voice banking, and 2022 Allied Professional of the Year recipient from the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations.
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Katy Saunders
Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist
Hobbs Rehabilitation
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Katy Saunders is a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist working primarily in Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s plus rehabilitation at Hobbs Rehabilitation in Winchester, Hampshire. She was awarded a BSc(Hons) in Physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham in 2013.
Katy has worked within many areas of neurological rehabilitation, at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and at St Mary’s and Charing Cross Hospitals as part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; in both the acute and outpatient neurological rehabilitation services.
Currently Katy is working at Hobbs Rehabilitation where she leads the Parkinson’s service, providing outpatient, domiciliary and PD Warrior services and more recently neurological rehabilitation through neurotechnology with Strolll.
Katy has worked within many areas of neurological rehabilitation, at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and at St Mary’s and Charing Cross Hospitals as part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; in both the acute and outpatient neurological rehabilitation services.
Currently Katy is working at Hobbs Rehabilitation where she leads the Parkinson’s service, providing outpatient, domiciliary and PD Warrior services and more recently neurological rehabilitation through neurotechnology with Strolll.
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Caroline Gill
Highly Specialist Physiotherapist
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
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Caroline Gill is a Highly Specialist Physiotherapist in stroke and neurology in Leeds
Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and Research Physiotherapist in the University of
Leeds. She was awarded a BSc(Hons) in Physiotherapy at Leeds Metropolitan
University (now Leeds Beckett University) in 2003 and a Post Graduate Certificate in
Health Research from the University of Leeds in 2023.
Caroline has worked across the rehabilitation pathway, in Leeds Teaching Hospitals
and Leeds Community NHS Trusts, for the majority of her career. She has also
worked in Calgary in neurological, neurosurgical and spinal rehabilitation.
Her current research is funded by NHS Transformation and UKRI. This work is
exploring the use of augmented reality glasses to deliver physiotherapy-based
exercises and activities to improve mobility and quality of life for people with
Parkinson’s disease.
Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and Research Physiotherapist in the University of
Leeds. She was awarded a BSc(Hons) in Physiotherapy at Leeds Metropolitan
University (now Leeds Beckett University) in 2003 and a Post Graduate Certificate in
Health Research from the University of Leeds in 2023.
Caroline has worked across the rehabilitation pathway, in Leeds Teaching Hospitals
and Leeds Community NHS Trusts, for the majority of her career. She has also
worked in Calgary in neurological, neurosurgical and spinal rehabilitation.
Her current research is funded by NHS Transformation and UKRI. This work is
exploring the use of augmented reality glasses to deliver physiotherapy-based
exercises and activities to improve mobility and quality of life for people with
Parkinson’s disease.
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Dr Rachel Stockley
Physiotherapist & Associate Professor in Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation
Univeristy of Central Lancashire
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Rachel is an experienced neurological physiotherapist and researcher. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Central Lancashire, in the UK where her work focusses on researching rehabilitation after stroke. She currently leads a programme of work examining digital health technologies in upper limb rehabilitation, spanning the life cycle of technology from design, development, evaluation and implementation. She has been involved in a range of studies of rehabilitation nationally and internationally, including trials of virtual reality, applications and wearable technologies. Rachel is driven to raise the profile of rehabilitation research, serves on the executive committee of the International Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Alliance and supports several allied health clinicians and researchers at a range of career stages.
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Dr Damon Hoad
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at Inspire Neurocare Worcester
Inspire Neurocare Worcester
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Dr Damon Hoad PhD MRCP AKC is Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at the Central England Rehabilitation Unit, Associate Clinical Professor of Neurological Rehabilitation at Warwick Medical School and Associate Editor of Clinical Rehabilitation. His doctoral training was at the Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology. His research uses neurophysiological markers of neuromodulatory and neuroplastic processes to improve outcome after acquired brain injury.
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Ellis Parry
Co-founder and CEO
neumind
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Ellis is CEO of neumind, a startup developing cognitive assistive technologies to improve the lives of people with neurological conditions and their care circle. He founded neumind after his identical twin brother suffered a traumatic brain injury. In collaboration with top services and experts, neumind are building a platform to help professionals deliver efficient care that is more personalised, engaging and connected. Neumind were previously awarded the Mike Barnes Award for Innovation (UKABIF), and are supported by the Health Foundation and NIHR. Ellis was awarded UK Young Innovator 2021, he has a PhD in Engineering Science from Oxford, and is an ambassador for the Royal Academy of Engineering.
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Dr Abayomi Salawu
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine
Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
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Dr Salawu is a rehabilitation medicine consultant based at the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust where he is the clinical lead of the complex rehabilitation team. He is also the clinical lead of the Humber Long COVID Triage and Assessment service. He has a surgical background (Orthopaedic surgery) prior to training in Rehabilitation Medicine. He has a wide spectrum of clinical interests which include neurological rehabilitation, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, amputee medicine and sports/exercise medicine. He is an advocate of the moving medicine initiative and committed to advancing the knowledge and practice of physical activity and exercise medicine. He is actively engaged in medical education and contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate academic activities of the Hull York Medical School. He has special interest in telerehabilitation and the use of technology especially Virtual and digital technology in augmenting rehabilitation practice. He is co-founder of Brain Recovery Zone which created a multidisciplinary virtual reality neurorehabilitation app. He has a passion for the care and rehabilitation of patients with long-term conditions.
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Alex Lewis
Quadruple Amputee
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Alex is a quadruple amputee with a passion for adventure, end user led research, his family (including a little wine and chocolate)and improving the lives of others with disabilities. If he’s not hand cycling through mountain ranges in Ethiopia, training to row across the North Atlantic or working in the Ukraine with injured veterans you’ll find him working with various universities up and down the UK. Alex gives his time and what’s left of his body to students studying anything from mechanical engineering to bio mechatronics and much more in the pursuit of the next best affordable prosthetic or wearable tech to monitor and treat neurodegenerative disorders “For me, the importance of my input leads to an end user driven design which we can then look to take to market and ultimately deliver a product which is not only beneficial but, more importantly, affordable to those who need it.
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Lizzie Williams
Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist
Hobbs Rehabilitation
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Lizzie is a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist working at Hobbs Rehabilitation since May 2020. She also has a background in orthopaedics, frailty and inpatient rehabilitation. Lizzie jumped at the opportunity to be involved in The MiNT Academy to combine her interest in technology and love for providing high quality rehabilitation for patients. Lizzie brings the perspective of a physiotherapist who routinely utilises neurotechnology with patients as well as teaching and supporting other clinicians in embedding it into practice.
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Dr Amit N. Pujari
Associate Professor (Reader) in Biomedical Engineering
University of Hertfordshire
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Amit is an award winning Biomedical Engineer and a Neuroscientist and is currently an Associate Professor (Reader) in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire. Amit’s team is primarily working on developing rehabilitation and assistive technologies (neurotechnologies) to bring sensorimotor improvements in people living with neurological disorders; specifically Stroke, Spinal Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s etc. Amit is recipient of multiple prestigious research and travelling fellowships and his work is funded by grants from EPSRC, NIHR, GCRF/Academy of Medical Sciences and Royal Academy of Engineering. Amit has recently been recognised as one of the 25 emerging leaders in UK Health research by the Academy of Medical Sciences and was earlier elected to the membership of the ‘UK Young Academy’ supported by the Royal Society along with UK and Irish senior academies. Amit holds MSc and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from University of Strathclyde and Aberdeen respectively and has masters in Professional Innovation Management of Medical Devices from University of Leeds.
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Gernot Greimler
Co-CEO & CTO
tech2people
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Gernot has amassed extensive experience in the realms of data, data-driven learning, data science, and artificial intelligence through his work with major corporations like Erste Bank and T-Mobile (now Magenta), as well as in a startup he co-founded. He is now eager to apply this expertise to enhance therapeutic approaches and has found the ideal platform for this endeavour at tech2people. Currently, the team is developing 'Abilitate', an innovative app designed to measure and ensure the quality of therapy.
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Laura Marriott
Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist
Hobbs Rehabilitation
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Laura is a specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist with 15 years of experience, over 12 years of which is in the neurological sector. Laura has worked in the NHS from acute care through to community rehabilitation and outpatients and now works in the private sector where she is the lead Occupational Therapist for Hobbs Intensive outpatient rehabilitation service, coordinating intensive rehabilitation packages and treating patients with complex neurological requirements. Her role within Hobbs has evolved and she has split clinical and research responsibilities. She is part of the MiNT Academy Development Team who have delivered an innovative neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development. Her role also involves leading on research projects and further collaborations.
MINT UK 2024 EXHIBITORS
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Guldmann
Gold Exhibitor • Max Rayne Atrium
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Guldmann provides a complete solution designed to match current moving and handling needs as well as being well-aligned with the functionality requirements of tomorrow. We are specialists in creating more “time to care” in conjunction with lifting and moving requirements, including rehabilitation, across the full spectrum of healthcare environments.
Demonstrating: Trainer Module & Positioning Lock System
An overhead ceiling hoist system which has dynamic weight relief capabilities to allow safer therapeutic interventions and on-going supported movement.
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Hamberley Neurocare
Gold Exhibitor • Max Rayne Atrium
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Ottobock
Gold Exhibitor • Max Rayne Atrium
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Ottobock is a world-leading supplier of high quality, innovative and practical mobility solutions to help people rediscover their independence. With its wide product range, Ottobock aims to achieve the best possible outcome for its customers, combining the latest technology with cutting-edge products and services.
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Summit Medical and Scientific
Gold Exhibitor • Max Rayne Atrium
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Summit Medical and Scientific are passionate about the power of rehabilitation technology.We represent clinical technology leaders Hocoma, Motek and Life Science Robotics to provide the total solution for rehabilitation in the UK. Our partners have developed innovative therapy devices using robotics, sensors and virtual reality for acute rehabilitation, gait and balance therapy, arm and hand therapy, body weight support and more
Demonstrating: ROBERT, Andago and ArmeoSpring
ROBERT is a portable robotic rehabilitation device for early upper and lower limb mobilisation.
Andago is a free-moving body weight support whereby dynamic robotic technology senses movement and actively follows the patient. The
Armeo is a robotic and sensor-based set of devices for patients with hand and/or arm functional movement impairment.
Andago is a free-moving body weight support whereby dynamic robotic technology senses movement and actively follows the patient. The
Armeo is a robotic and sensor-based set of devices for patients with hand and/or arm functional movement impairment.
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Thor Assistive Technologies
Gold Exhibitor • Max Rayne Atrium
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Thor Assistive Technologies is a UK distributor and sales partner for a range of neuro rehabilitation devices and robotics. Also offering a range of after-care services including ongoing training and support.
Demonstrating: RehabHub, EGZOTech Luna & Stella
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g.tec Medical Engineering
Silver Exhibitor • Cavendish Room
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G.tec Medical Engineering produces invasive and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neurotechnology that are used worldwide to measure and analyse brain waves with the highest possible resolution. RecoveriX, our neurorehabilitation system helps the brain rewire itself to relearn lost motor functions – currently used in clinics across the world to help stroke and MS patients.
Demonstrating: recoveriX - a neurorehabilitation system
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Kurage
Silver Exhibitor • Cavendish Room
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Rebotics Technology
Silver Exhibitor • Cavendish Room
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Rebotics Technology’s aim is to maximise understanding and to use expertise to promote these unknown yet highly beneficial products to the right audiences.These less-known technological advancements have been vast, and the capability of these products are incredible. The innovative technologies facilities focused on developing advanced rehabilitation techniques with these products, which can significantly improve clients outcomes, privately and within NHS and professional clinics.
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MYoroface
Bronze Exhibitor • Cavendish Room
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Connect with us
Copyright© 2022 Hobbs Rehabilitation LTD
Alison Watt
Head of Clinical Operations
Alison is Head of Clinical Operations for The MiNT Academy. With over 10 years of clinical experience within specialist neurological services, Alison previously worked in the NHS specialising in stroke and neurorehabilitation.
As a previous NHS AHP Ward Manager, Alison has always worked within innovative therapy roles. This continues at The MiNT Academy, a growing neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development.
As a previous NHS AHP Ward Manager, Alison has always worked within innovative therapy roles. This continues at The MiNT Academy, a growing neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development.
Alison coordinates research, development and education activities to enable increased accessibility to clinically effective devices.
As Principle Investigator in technology trials, she has aided the development of devices from concept to market, with recent focusses on Virtual Reality and Exoskeletons. Alison has presented at and organised numerous national and international conferences, including as MiNT Chair at RehabWeek 2022. She has also completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Medical Education and lectures at multiple UK academic institutions.
Alongside this, Alison works clinically at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre in Bristol, combining the use of therapy devices with conventional hands-on treatment, for outpatients with a variety of neurological conditions. Alison uses all of her roles to passionately drive forward the use of neurotechnology in clinical practice to optimise opportunities and outcomes for patients.
As Principle Investigator in technology trials, she has aided the development of devices from concept to market, with recent focusses on Virtual Reality and Exoskeletons. Alison has presented at and organised numerous national and international conferences, including as MiNT Chair at RehabWeek 2022. She has also completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Medical Education and lectures at multiple UK academic institutions.
Alongside this, Alison works clinically at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre in Bristol, combining the use of therapy devices with conventional hands-on treatment, for outpatients with a variety of neurological conditions. Alison uses all of her roles to passionately drive forward the use of neurotechnology in clinical practice to optimise opportunities and outcomes for patients.
Helen Hobbs
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Helen is a specialist neurological physiotherapist with over 25 years of specialist clinical experience and extensive clinical skills including advanced Bobath training. She has a special interest inclinical education, training and research. Helen has held postgraduate clinical training roles at both Kings College NHS Hospital London Neuroscience Centre and Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust before establishing Hobbs Rehabilitation in 2005.
Helen's teaching and leadership skills resulted in international scholarships and fellowships taking Helen to the USA and South Africa. She has presented both nationally and internationally. Helen has close links with several academic institutions including Southampton, Imperial College, Loughborough , Portsmouth and Winchester Universities to provide clinical leadership for the design of future healthcare technologies and research projects.
Her publications have included the effects of robotic assisted gait training on vascular health in strokes and spinal cord injured patients and the European rehabilitation guidelines for MS patients post stem cell transplant.
Amy Dennis-Jones
The MiNT Academy Research Lead
Amy has over 20 years experience working within the field of Neurological rehabilitation. She has worked with a variety of settings capturing the full rehabilitation pathway from acute through to the community.
Since working for Hobbs Rehabilitation in 2015, Amy has worked with an array of neurotechnologies and is a trained Rewalk exoskeleton clinician. She has presented at varying conference and study days, and is on the local committee for ACPIN, a specialist interest group for physiotherapists working in Neurology.
Amy's position within Hobbs Rehabilitation has evolved into a split clinical and research role. She is part of the core development team working on MiNT, an innovative neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development as well as leading on research projects and further collaborations.
Outside of physiotherapy, Amy is a qualified yoga teacher and combines her experience with rehabilitation to teach chair/adaptive yoga classes.
Chrissy Bibby
The MiNT Academy Events Lead
Chrissy has worked in the field of adult acquired neurological speech and language therapy for over 15 years, initially in the NHS before joining Hobbs Rehabilitation, where she leads the Speech & Language therapy team. Clinically, she has a special interest in motor speech disorders and rehabilitation of the facial nerve.
Chrissy trained as a teacher before embarking on her career in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys using her teaching skills in all areas of her work with Hobbs Rehabilitation and MiNT.
As Events Lead for The MiNT Academy, Chrissy is embracing the opportunity to discuss with fellow clinicians, academics and industry partners the benefits of using neurotechnology with our communication impaired clients, while encouraging further development in this vital area.
Outside of speech and language therapy, Chrissy enjoys swimming, singing with her local rock choir, baking, sewing, and camping with her family.
Chrissy trained as a teacher before embarking on her career in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys using her teaching skills in all areas of her work with Hobbs Rehabilitation and MiNT.
As Events Lead for The MiNT Academy, Chrissy is embracing the opportunity to discuss with fellow clinicians, academics and industry partners the benefits of using neurotechnology with our communication impaired clients, while encouraging further development in this vital area.
Outside of speech and language therapy, Chrissy enjoys swimming, singing with her local rock choir, baking, sewing, and camping with her family.
Laura Marriott
The MiNT Academy Education Lead
Laura is a specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist with 15 years of experience, over 12 years of which is in the neurological sector. Laura has worked in the NHS from acute care through to community rehabilitation and outpatients and now works in the private sector where she is the lead Occupational Therapist for Hobbs Intensive outpatient rehabilitation service, coordinating intensive rehabilitation packages and treating patients with complex neurological requirements.
Her role within Hobbs has evolved and she has split clinical and research responsibilities. She is part of the MiNT Academy Development Team who have delivered an innovative neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development. Her role also involves leading on research projects and further collaborations. Laura has expert clinical skills used to implement neuro assistive and rehabilitation technology into functional contexts building the links between the companies and the patients. Laura presented at Virtual RehabWeek 2021 and is excited to be presenting at RehabWeek 2022 in Rotterdam, showcasing the merits and application of collaboration between skilled clinicians and engineers to create a device that has longevity with both clinicians and patients alike.
Outside of Hobbs Laura enjoys a busy family life, hiking, roller skating and painting.
Lizzie Williams
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Lizzie is a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist working at Hobbs Rehabilitation since May 2020. She also has a background in orthopaedics, frailty and inpatient rehabilitation. Lizzie jumped at the opportunity to be involved in The MiNT Academy to combine her interest in technology and love for providing high quality rehabilitation for patients. Lizzie brings the perspective of a physiotherapist who routinely utilises neurotechnology with patients as well as teaching and supporting other clinicians in embedding it into practice.
Rachael Edwards
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Rachael Edwards developed a specialist interest in the role of technology in upper limb neurorehabilitation, whilst working as an Occupational Therapist on the upper limb program at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square.
Rachael has relocated to Bristol and is setting up an Occupational Therapy service at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre, where she continues to explore the use of technology to support delivering intensive upper limb rehabilitation.
Louis Martinelli
The MiNT Academy Development Team
With degrees in Sport & Exercise Science
(BSc) and Physiotherapy (MSc pre-registration), Louis has over ten years’ experience of working in neurological rehabilitation and 15 years in the exercise industry.
Trained in both the Ekso GT and ReWalk, Louis has been using exoskeletons on a daily basis with a variety of medical conditions at Hobbs Rehabilitation for seven years. He has also experienced many patient trials/assessments in a variety of other exoskeleton manufactures.
Louis has helped establish a research partnership between Hobbs Rehabilitation and The University of Winchester, which in 2019 published an article on the effects exoskeleton rehabilitation can have on the vascular system in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine.
(BSc) and Physiotherapy (MSc pre-registration), Louis has over ten years’ experience of working in neurological rehabilitation and 15 years in the exercise industry.
Trained in both the Ekso GT and ReWalk, Louis has been using exoskeletons on a daily basis with a variety of medical conditions at Hobbs Rehabilitation for seven years. He has also experienced many patient trials/assessments in a variety of other exoskeleton manufactures.
Louis has helped establish a research partnership between Hobbs Rehabilitation and The University of Winchester, which in 2019 published an article on the effects exoskeleton rehabilitation can have on the vascular system in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine.
Barry Richards
Head of Commercial Operations
Barry brings extensive expertise in the medical device industry and healthcare markets from across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. Renowned as a subject matter expert, he possesses deep knowledge of exoskeleton technology and the neurological MedTech rehabilitation sector.
With over a decade of commercial experience, Barry has worked with leading neurological rehabilitation MedTech companies in various roles, including clinical, business development, market access, and commercial operations. He has successfully assisted multiple organisations in shaping their business development, sales, marketing, and clinical strategy plans at different stages of commercialisation.
With over a decade of commercial experience, Barry has worked with leading neurological rehabilitation MedTech companies in various roles, including clinical, business development, market access, and commercial operations. He has successfully assisted multiple organisations in shaping their business development, sales, marketing, and clinical strategy plans at different stages of commercialisation.
Barry has held director-level and senior management positions at both global and European levels. He also has a strong clinical background in physiotherapy, with significant experience in the neurological rehabilitation field, and demonstrates a high level of competency in operating advanced technologies.
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