Rachael Hutchinson has already created a legacy across Norfolk and Norwich dedicated to providing a paediatric orthopaedic service to improve the pathways of children with disabilities. This department started in 2008 and 16 years on, it has grown exponentially.  Starting with just herself, she now has four consultants covering the Easton region and the Surrounding General Hospitals. The hope here is to ensure that any child, wherever they are, has access to high-quality, specialised expertise in Orthopaedics.

Originally from Norwich, she is a Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon working in the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital where she treats both adults and children. But her career took her around the globe before she settled back in her hometown in 2008. She completed her medical training in Leeds and the majority of her orthopaedic training in Sheffield. In and amongst this, she also did a post-graduate degree in gait analysis and assessment of function. Further to this, Rachael was given fellowships in America and Australia which added to her experience tremendously as it expanded her knowledge when it came to working with children with orthopaedic and neurodisability difficulties.

Over time, Rachael has set up and run regular NHS clinics for patients with cerebral palsy being a part of an experienced multi-disciplinary team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. She also treats complex foot and ankle problems.

Rachael’s passion is in optimising function in children, whether at elite sport level or with a disability, she feels strongly that all children can improve their physical abilities if they have a good understanding of their own bodies particularly when it comes to their balance of range of motion over strength and control. She feels strongly that all children should have all the opportunities to succeed and have the same experiences in life as anyone else. As a consultant she has become hyper-aware of the lack of fitness opportunities available for the disabled community, especially knowing how important this is, perhaps more so for them than for the able-bodied community. She wants to, and has, changed this.

“Being at Able2B just makes me happy. The atmosphere is such a friendly, supportive place not just for clients but for us as staff too-when I walk in the building my mood just lifts and I don’t want to leave!”

Ella joined Able2B in 2019 and then became a full-time member in 2020 when she finished her undergraduate degree.

Ella handles all safeguarding concerns as well as being the leader/manager of our holiday SEN Camps which have been a huge success. In addition, she carries out client 1:1s, assisting classes and running the social media accounts.

“I love my job because I want to help people reach their goals, push them to do more and be part of their success story and knowing I’ve made a difference is the best feeling. I am creative with clients and love to get them doing new exercises or trying new things!” 

Our physiotherapy team is made up of a very enthusiastic group of senior physiotherapy trainees from the University of East Anglia.

These mature students, by definition, have other skills and jobs under their belt which adds to the quality of care given by Able2B.

All have a background in physiotherapy education but they also have qualifications in moving and handling, massage therapy and some even have personal training qualifications. As part of the team, they bring new, fresh ideas to the table and allow us to offer new services such as massage.

Our links with the University of East Anglia also mean we have physiotherapy student attachments. This means you will often see a new face, linked to us for a 6-8 week period as they complete their practical placement with us.

We also provide teaching to the students at the University of East Anglia as part of both the physiotherapy and sports science degrees.

Chris is an amazing member of our team. She devotes lots of her free time to the company and she really is the cog that makes the wheels turn!

Chris is the first point of contact for most of our clients when they enquire about our services. She is a great source of knowledge, being able to discuss the services we offer, how our assessments work and also supporting those who may feel a bit nervous or worried about coming to try our services for the first time.

She takes charge of our registers and invoicing and also manages us as a team.

We value her time immensely and we are so privileged and grateful to have her as a key member of the team.

Kieran volunteered with Able2B as part of his placement whilst studying at University and we were really pleased that he was keen to become a permanent member of the Able2B team.

He attended the University of East Anglia from 2019 to 2022, during which time he gained weekly experience at ABle2B as our services grew and expanded. He has been part of the Able2B team since September 2022.

Kieran is the team lead for our new frame running club and services. He has completed specialist training in the frame’s functions and coaching to start to build this new exciting service.

Outside of work, he enjoys fitness and football among other sports.

“What I enjoy about work is helping people achieve their goals and improve their lifestyle.”

Ellis joined us at the end of 2022 as our first apprentice using the Insight Apprenticeship Scheme.

His move from a post at Anglian Home Improvements was the start of a planned career change to work in sports and help others who might be struggling with day to day function.

He has taken to his new role well and we have also been able to use his management skills from his previous post to lead on our volunteer and work experience scheme.