Department of Health Announces Funding For Children’s Prosthetics - Blatchford

Funding Announcement

Limb centres around the UK are now able to apply for funding of paediatric sports and activity limbs.

Up until now there has been no dedicated funding for children’s sports and activity feet, meaning that young people with amputations or congenital limb loss may have been limited to a standard prosthetic foot which are not always suitable for multi-terrain use or sports like running, football and cycling.

The funding, which forms a part of a larger budget allocation of £1.75m for prosthetics research, was announced in March this year and includes a £750k provision for new sports prosthetics for child amputees on the NHS.

The Department of Health has now informed limb centres that funding can now applied for, meaning that clinicians will be able to identify and work with patients who are eligible to receive the limbs.

Whether it is being able to play outdoors all day, take part in competitive sport or just to blend in with their friends at school, having the option to have a dynamic, multi-use foot will for many children, open up a lot of new and exciting opportunities.

Applying for funding

NHS Limb centres in England may request funds for individual prosthetics they have prescribed up to the value of £5000 for each limb (including all the associated costs of the new limb, such as a new socket).

Limbpower will be overseeing the distribution of the paediatric limb fund and will be contacting all limb centres shortly to advise of the eligibility criteria and correct procedure for application of funds.

What is available?

There is a variety of activity/sports limbs available. Mini BladeXT from Blatchford offers a complete solution for children. With excellent stability, ground compliance and comfort it is perfect for everyday use.

To find out more, visit http://www.blatchford.co.uk/endolite/mini-bladext/

For product information, technical support and training enquiries please contact your local Blatchford Training and Education Representative.

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