Our History
British Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in limb Absence Rehabilitation (BACPAR) is a Professional Network of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Founded in 1993 it was initially called British Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Amputee Rehabilitation, but the name was updated in 2021 to be more inclusive of our work with individuals with limb loss and congenital limb absence, as well as those having undergone amputation.
BACPAR continues to provide a nationwide network for physiotherapists involved in the specialist field of limb absence and prosthetic rehabilitation. Since its inception the network has grown in its membership (number and inclusion) and relevance to the multi-disciplinary team having led the development and being the provider of post graduate education for its members, the developer of NICE Accredited guidelines (that have been referenced globally) and partner in research and audit.
Below is a copy of our inaugural minutes that took place in Selly Oak, Birmingham on 21st May 1993. Constitution matters were agreed, Honorary members of the committee elected and regional set up, membership subscriptions, study days and AGM planned - sounds very similar to current Executive committee meetings, which still often take place in Birmingham!
Members of the initial working party were M McCreadie, SM Pearce, D Quinliven, S Blackburn, P broomhead, T Brown, J Cummings.
Many of the same names come up repeatedly in the below documents, particulary Penny Broomhead MBE, and we thank those early members for instigating such a dynamic and forward thinking special interest group as we were called back then.
Our first newsletter was published in 1994
Our first prosthetic guidelines were published in 2003 by
Broomhead P, Dawes D, Hale C, Lambert A, Quinlivan D, Shepherd R. (2003) Evidence Based Clinical Guidelines for the Managements of Adults with Lower Limb Prostheses. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: London.
First pre and post op guidelines in 2006 by
Broomhead P, Dawes D, Hancock A, Unia P, Blundell A, Davies V (2006). ‘Clinical guidelines for the pre and post-operative physiotherapy management of adults with lower limb amputations’. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, London
First pre and post op guidelines
Other early work of BACPAR included input into the Diabetes National Framework, the Vascular National Framework, national wheelchair provision, as well as the Associate Parliamentary limb loss group and guidelines for students.