Did you know that your bionic journey to get the Hero Arm has just got more accessible? That’s right, new policy changes means civilians in the UK can now go through a local enablement centre to get a Hero Arm. To make sure you are properly informed to start your journey please read the latest NHS policy below. Both adults and children with unilateral or bilateral limb difference can be fitted with a Multi Grip Hand ( MGH) as long as they meet the criteria.
Regardless of whether you opt to go through the NHS or Open Bionics directly to get your Hero Arm, our team is always here to help.
We are currently in the process of training NHS enablement centres across the country to be able to fit Hero Arms for adults and children. To find out if your local enablement centre has been trained, please get in touch with our team by signing up.
The first step on your NHS journey will be to contact your local NHS prosthetic centre , a consultation with the members of the MDT ( Multi-disciplinary team) should follow, this would include your Prosthetist , Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Consultant and all other relevant members. An assessment for MGH suitability will be carried out.
If you have never been registered with a prosthetic centre your first step will be to speak with your GP so that you can be referred to one.
Before you are eligible to Trial a MGH hand and according to the NHS policy mentioned above you might be asked to complete a 12 month period using a single grip myoelectric device and have positive outcomes.
If you have been using a myoelectric device for the last 12 months either single grip or Multi Grip ( like the the Hero Arm) you should meet the criteria to start your trial.
There are a variety of Multi Grip Hands available on the NHS with this new policy and the Hero Arm is one of them.
You will be able to get your very own Hero Arm for a trial period of 4 to 6 weeks before deciding alongside your Prosthetist and Occupational Therapist if that is going to be the best option for you, so there is no downside for you to give it a go!
Once the trial is completed if the Hero Arm is your choice the application will be put through by your centre for approval by the NHS Supply Chain. Once it gets approved you will be able to keep it and get it finalised with your choice of covers.
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Open Bionics can supply via the exception list in agreement with the Trust “ – NHS Supply Chain Department
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