Kelly and Hugh

Olympic star Kelly Sotherton has opened a state-of-the-art medical technology centre.

Former heptathlete Sotherton, who won a Bronze medal at the 2004 Olympic Games, launched the £50,000 Algeos Innovation Suite at Birmingham Metropolitan College’s Matthew Boulton Campus.

The centre will house the latest technology for podiatry services and will be used by students as a key part of their training and practitioners.

The college is one of the leading centres in the UK for the education of podiatrists and has previously worked closely with Algeos as a research partner.

The innovation suite will include a range of technologies including Clearanail, a revolutionary product to combat fungal nail, OptoGait, an innovative gait analysis technology for movement analysis and functional assessment of patients, and Podotech Elftman Matrix, a small, lightweight device that assesses lower limb activity.

The college’s students will use the equipment to support the consultations and treatment they provide to 2,500 patients each year at their 18-chair on-site private clinic.

Hugh Sheridan, CEO of ALG International Holdings which includes its distribution company Algeos, said: “Education is becoming an increasingly important part of our business and we are delighted to have been able to fund a dedicated technology suite at Matthew Boulton.

“We selected Matthew Boulton because we have a longstanding relationship with the college having carried out research on a number of our podiatry products.

“The college is recognised as one of the leading centres for the education of tomorrow’s podiatrists, offering modern facilities in the centre of the UK.

“While the main focus of the Algeos Innovation Suite will be on podiatry, a number of other, related courses, such as sport science, will also be able to access the technology.”

Andrew Cleaves, Principal at Birmingham Metropolitan College, said: “This remarkable facility cements Birmingham’s position as the region’s hub for podiatry training, scholarly activity and professional development.  Students, practitioners and manufacturers will be able to showcase innovation and excellence in clinical decision making, resulting in more effective diagnostic and patient care outcomes.

“As the only college in the West Midlands to provide a full honours degree, training opportunities and direct industry links, we are now in an even stronger position to support our students’ professional work ethic and employability, whether in podiatry practice, teaching or the field of research.”

ALG now distributes its products to more than 70 countries through its offices in the UK, Australia, United States and United Arab Emirates.

The company’s mission is to develop and bring to market life-changing products that not only change the way people move, but also the way they feel.

 

NOTES TO EDITORS