Heather Batten believes people with lower limb amputation need to have better support when they leave the hospital and adjust to their new lives. Working as the Physiotherapy Amputee Specialist at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, for over 20 years, she has seen some of the difficulties faced by people with lower limb amputations.
Heather is a 2020 Churchill Fellow who travelled to Europe and the UK in 2022 to investigate models of health and community care in Europe, to improve the transition for people with lower limb amputation after they leave the hospital and return to living in their community. She is currently undertaking research to understand their needs after they are discharged from the hospital and was awarded a 2020 Metro South Health Research Innovation Grant for this project. Information from her current research and the Churchill Fellowship will shape a transition program for people with lower limb amputation.
Heather has spoken at International and National Conferences and teaches at universities about Amputee Management. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Bachelor of Physiotherapy, both from The University of Queensland.
In her spare time, she enjoys learning Portuguese, baking, surfing, playing Brazilian capoeira, reviewing hot chocolates and is the proud owner of one beehive.
Project
To improve transition of people with lower limb amputation from hospital to living in the community
Heather Batten
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