NHS patients denied funding for advanced microprocessor prosthetic knees
17 December 2015
Amputees struggling to rebuild their lives after accidents or serious illness have been denied a chance to use advanced prosthetic legs pioneered by military veterans.
Up to 700 patients a year - such as Leah Washington, who suffered terrible leg injuries in the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash - were in line to benefit from prosthetics with microprocessor knee joints after extensive research proved their effectiveness.
But NHS England has refused to commission this which would have guaranteed improved mobility for patients who suffered above and through the knee amputations.
“It is a very disappointing decision because there is a strong case that this improves the quality of life for amputees and helps them live independent lives,” said Barry Le Grys, Chief Executive of the charity Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, which campaigned for the prosthetics to be available on the NHS.
“They allow patients to contribute to society and diminish the risk of them becoming isolated, depressed and, in the long term, being a much bigger economic burden than the amount needed to pay for the knees.
Microprocessor knees have been used by veterans for around a decade and they have a clear benefit.”
Amputees will have to make do with mechanical knees, which have limited function, compared to microprocessor joints, which have sensors to aid balance and positioning.
“Veterans have been using the microprocessor joints successfully for some time and they make a huge difference to their lives,” said Brian Chenier, Blesma’s Support Officer for Prosthetics.
“The more basic joints are good but the new joints allow people to walk without having to look down. They are able to step off the kerb without worrying about the drop and to lead active, positive lives.
“The added is bonus is that they have the mobility to play with their children or grandchildren, pick them up and give them a hug. The benefit to their quality of life would have been significant.
“This would have meant something good for the nation has come from military veterans recovering from their injuries. It is a lost opportunity.”
Microprocessor knees are used by veterans such as triple amputees, former Royal Marine captain Jon White and Royal Marine Mark Ormrod, and former Royal Engineer Dave Henson, who was GB team captain at the Invictus Games.
The microprocessor knees, that were considered by the NHS cost between £10,000 to £15,000 compared to around £3,000 for the standard knee, can judge the angle of the knee during walking and movement to ensure smooth steps while amputees with basic versions complain that they have to look down to keep an even step and struggle with everyday activities such as climbing stairs and negotiating slopes
Provision of prosthetic limbs for civilians has become patchy through periods of NHS restructure and Le Grys added: “This is short-sighted by NHS England. It is about considering the holistic impact of improving patients’ everyday lives, their independence and the improvement to family life of people who just want to return to living as fuller lives as possible.
“They work for the military and we want them to be available to the public. We will have to wait at least another year now before the scheme is reconsidered but we will continue campaigning.”
-ENDS-
About Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless serving and ex-service men and women, their widows and dependants. It is a membership organisation which helps wounded service men and women rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support. Their membership includes those who have lost the use of a limb, an eye or the sight of an eye.
Blesma was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932. Blesma today has over 4000 Members and widows. The membership consists of men and women who have served during the Second World War and the many subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping operations since, including the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
For further information on Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, contact
Bryony Stevens, Media and Communications Officer
T: 020 8590 1124
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