New physiotherapy clinic is lasting legacy to well-loved member of staff

The family of Jo Williams, whose name is behind a new physiotherapy clinic at the University of Leicester, have said how moved they are by the lasting legacy.

The clinic, which opens to the public, staff and students at reduced rates, on 23 September, was named after Johanna or Jo Williams as she was known, a highly respected member of the team who taught Physiotherapy at the University and sadly passed away a few months after retirement in February 2022. 

At an official event on Thursday (Sep 5) to mark its opening, Jo’s widower, Nigel, and daughters Beth and Hannah, joined the team behind the clinic to celebrate its launch.

Beth said: “We’re moved that both staff and students chose to name the clinic after mum. It’s testament to the friends she made here and the level of care, empathy and commitment she gave towards improving the lives of others. 

“This clinic will ensure that lasting legacy continues through the lives of patients and students who come through its doors and it’s wonderful to see.” 

Speaking at the event, University of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah called Jo an “inspirational role model”.

He said the exciting new facility embodied all that the University strives for through education and community engagement, adding: “It’s a real privilege to share this moment with Nigel, Beth and Hannah and to honour the legacy left behind by Jo. Our students will now get to experience what it’s like to work in a real environment before they graduate into the world of physiotherapy.

“I thank Charlotte Carter-Lang and her team for all their hard work in making the clinic a reality.”

The Jo Williams Clinic is a purpose-built facility for patients with a variety of conditions including sports injuries, chronic pain, post-surgery or neurological rehabilitation needs with consultations costing £10 per session for one hour. 

Facilities at the clinic include treatment bays, a high spec gym area, treadmill with hoist if required, Watt bikes, a Motomed and more. It is located within the heart of the University in the Maurice Shock Building. 

Assessment and treatment will be led by physiotherapy students from the University of Leicester and other local universities in the innovative and state of the art setting, giving them the opportunity to complete their placements under supervision from highly experienced clinical staff. 

Jo specialised in Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) and research for much of her career, at Glenfield Hospital and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, developing outcome measures for PR used worldwide today and latterly as a Cardiorespiratory Lecturer at the University where she was well respected for her commitment and professionalism. 

Associate Professor Charlotte Carter-Lang, Head of the Jo Williams Clinic and Practice Education Lead for the School of Healthcare, set up the clinic in memory of her late friend. 

She said: “Jo is a much-missed colleague so we’re delighted that her family could join us for a launch event in our fantastic new high-quality clinic. We look forward to welcoming patients later this month and we know that Jo would have been proud of what we’ve achieved.”