Limb Loss and Amputation
United Kingdom (UK) Defence Statistics indicated that 301 British veterans sustained an amputation through service in Iraq or Afghanistan up to 31st March 2023.
The lifelong impact of traumatic limb-loss is also particularly relevant for older veterans who served in (among others) the Second World War, Korea, Northern Ireland, Vietnam and the Falklands, and whose health issues may be exacerbated by age-related changes and comorbidities, including the long-term psychological consequences of war.
Treatment under Military guidance, such as that at Stanford Hall varies considerably to what is offered via the NHS Limb Centres. There are 35 centres in England that provide specialized prosthetic services. These are consultant-led services and they involve a specialised multi-disciplinary team, which includes, for example; prosthetist; occupational therapist; physiotherapist; podiatrist; and psychologist.
If you have had an amputation and are registered with a GP, you will be eligible to attend an NHS Limb Centre where your mobility needs will be assessed. You may need a prosthetic limb or wheelchair. This will be provided free of charge where applicable, based on clinical need. Your GP or hospital that carried out the surgery will refer you to the appropriate Limb Centre.
If you lost a limb in Service, you can access the veterans’ prosthetics programme. This programme has enabled nine Disablement Service Centres (DSC’s) in England to offer enhanced services to veterans, accessed by referral from the veterans own GP
British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA) is a national service charity that supports limbless veterans since injury for the remainder of their life.
United Kingdom (UK) Defence Statistics indicated that 301 British veterans sustained an amputation through service in Iraq or Afghanistan up to 31st March 2023.
The lifelong impact of traumatic limb-loss is also particularly relevant for older veterans who served in (among others) the Second World War, Korea, Northern Ireland, Vietnam and the Falklands, and whose health issues may be exacerbated by age-related changes and comorbidities, including the long-term psychological consequences of war.
Treatment under Military guidance, such as that at Stanford Hall varies considerably to what is offered via the NHS Limb Centres. There are 35 centres in England that provide specialized prosthetic services. These are consultant-led services and they involve a specialised multi-disciplinary team, which includes, for example; prosthetist; occupational therapist; physiotherapist; podiatrist; and psychologist.
If you have had an amputation and are registered with a GP, you will be eligible to attend an NHS Limb Centre where your mobility needs will be assessed. You may need a prosthetic limb or wheelchair. This will be provided free of charge where applicable, based on clinical need. Your GP or hospital that carried out the surgery will refer you to the appropriate Limb Centre.
If you lost a limb in Service, you can access the veterans’ prosthetics programme. This programme has enabled nine Disablement Service Centres (DSC’s) in England to offer enhanced services to veterans, accessed by referral from the veterans own GP
British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA) is a national service charity that supports limbless veterans since injury for the remainder of their life.