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Post by Irene Lawrence on Apr 7, 2008 19:51:25 GMT
Evening All, Further to my last post and following Roberts kind advice of ' If you want to know what equipment you will be glad you bought rather than what you buy, use twice then stick on e bay just start a thread on it' I have decided to do just that! I would be really grateful for any advice from any of you more experienced people Kind regards, Irene
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Post by Admin on Apr 8, 2008 7:11:08 GMT
Hi Irene, You will need a good Domiciliary Bag (don't know much about these, but think the ones with wheels are a good idea). A treatment couch/chair. Go for an electro-hydraulic couch such as those made by Plinth or Akron. You get a lot of couch for your cash, and the hydraulics can be replaced very easily and cheaply should something go wrong. Drills and autoclaves - someone else better advise on these. A good unit (for holding your instruments, paddings etc) is a must. A good operator-chair is also a must. Don't scrimp on this last BTW, you only have one back! Buy 2nd-hand if possible. I know of someone who kitted out her entire surgery for less than £1000, and the equipment was excellent too . If you haven't already done so, get onto the major chiropody supply houses now. Canonbury is a good place to start. The glossy catalogues will give you an idea of prices, and whats available, and you can go from there. Regards,
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Post by robertisaacs on Apr 8, 2008 12:01:59 GMT
Good reply.
I would add that its worth spending a little more on the better quality instruments. They last longer and work better.
We get through a lot in the NHS. I still have a pair of hardenberg ingrown toenail nippers from years and years ago! Some of my other nippers have had to be replaced several times in that period.
Personally i like the "cutlass" range. But its a matter of taste.
Regards Robert
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Post by blinda on Apr 8, 2008 14:09:32 GMT
Hi Irene,
I agree with David and Robert; Canonbury also provide sound advice on autoclaves, ask for Adrian as he is up to scratch with what works well for individual needs. They also do a lease agreement for goods if you want to buy new, but if you can get your hands on good quality used items, it is well worth it, even if only to tie you over for a couple of years.
I went through a lot of dom bags when i first started, NEVER go for the cheapest, as i found out. You need a really sturdy, easy to carry case, wheels are a good idea but I am very happy with my Canonbury one. It has lasted me for the last 4 years and showing no sign of wear and tear.
And yes, definately go for the German make instruments, they last a lot longer.
Operators chair; Bambach or similar saddle stool has done wonders for my lower back pain. can`t wear a skirt though!
Hope this is helpful.
Cheers, Bel
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Post by dtt on Apr 8, 2008 20:41:28 GMT
Hi Irene Timesco are guaranteeing their instruments FOR LIFE and have just claimed on a pair of ig nippers ( 5years old) they are true to their word no quibble ,good stuff too.. Look at leasing as an option on large expensive stuff ( tax breaks are better) like couches drills and cabinets. Good practice management system ( John McCall has a great one Podiatry Practice Pro) and you can download as free an up to200 pt trial at www.podiatrysoftware.co.uk on the downloads page Cases Hmmm some very very expensive for what they are. These canvas / nylon jobbies they are knocking out for £180 or thereabouts I got a free nylon pilots case from neat ideas after ordering a few office supplies from them as a freebie ;D. That was 6 years ago still unbroken and functional for some of my stuff. I have a chiro 2 hard case for the rest and a separate spray drill case with "bits and pieces in" as a third for all my visiting ( I have a system of usage obviously but they are all in my car if i need them). Autoclave is a must , look at the servicing costs for the one you fancy ( my vacuum model is £700 a year for 2 services ) you don't need one as elaborate as that ( unless you want to) but I believe that the provision of printers is being reviewed in 2010 by the SCP so make sure the one you choose will accomodate one. As far as I am aware the HPC have no regulation /recommendations published to help ( no surprises there then) Go for the best you can afford but don't overstretch yourself coz it can be hard going to start with with peaks and troughs in your income. All I can think of at present so good luck in you hunt for a bargain Cheers Derek
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