Next generation receive new NHS activity and sport prostheses
Following the Department of Health's announcement in March 2016 to commit £1.5 million into more research and provision of children's sport and activity prostheses. The first applicants have started to receive their new prostheses, tailored to their needs and the sports they want to play.
Children across England have begun to receive new running and swimming prosthetics from the NHS, in a move by Government to support the next generation of young disabled people to be more active.
The introduction of children's sports prostheses on the NHS, follows the creation of a new £1.5 million fund by the Department of Health to support more children with a limb impairment to run, swim and play sport using a specialised prosthetics.
The fund has been split between research and provision. With £750,000 of the fund being committed to the provision of new sports prosthetics for young amputees on the NHS. While the remainder is invested through the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) to create a child prostheses research collaboration, to bring the latest technology to the NHS.
Since the announcement, NHS limb centres across England have been working with clinicians and patients to request funds for individual prosthetics they have prescribed, up to the value of £5000 for each limb.
Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt said:
"Every child should be able to participate in sport.
Team GB surpassed everyone's expectations at last year's Paralympics and this investment will ensure the next generation of children who have either been born without a limb or who have lost a limb will be able to lead an active life.
“It’s wonderful that the first children are now receiving their blades and that they will be able to reach their sporting potential – I hope some may even be selected in the future as members of Team GB.”
One of the first recipients of a new NHS sport specific prosthesis is 13 year old Ben, who was fitted with a new running blade. Since then, Ben has enjoyed playing football and running, he now has his sights set on the Paralympic Games.
Kate Moore, Ben's mother said:
“We’re really pleased Ben has been fitted with a new running blade. After watching the success of Team GB last year, this blade means Ben can develop his interest in sport and could become part of the next generation of Team GB. We hope more children and young people like Benjamin will be able to benefit too.”
Limb Power, the National Disability Sports Organisation for people with limb impairments is overseeing the distribution of the paediatric limb fund with limb centres - providing advice on the eligibility criteria and correct procedures when applying for funds.
Chief Executive of LimbPower, Kiera Roche said:
"The children’s prosthetics fund has been welcomed by the amputee community as a really positive step in supporting children to be more confident and socially engaged, providing them with the equipment to participate and immerse themselves fully in school P.E. and community activities."
