Meningitis Research Foundation welcomes the news that children in England who have either been born without a limb or who have lost a limb are to be given specialised prosthetics from the NHS to help them play sport.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced a £1.5 million fund during the Paralympic Games in Rio. This money has been split between:
- funding for NHS limb centres so that they can provide children with the prosthetics that are tailored to their needs and the sports they want to play
- and investment in a Child Prostheses Research Collaboration, bringing the latest technology into the NHS
About one third of people who survive meningitis and septicaemia will be left with after-effects, some as serious as amputations. It’s important for all children to be able to take part in sports to increase their confidence and reduce feelings of isolation that many survivors can experience. This fund will make a positive difference to many lives.
Details about how NHS limb centres can apply for funding to source the prosthetic limbs from suppliers and fit them are available here.