• Plymouth MP meets Livewell SW staff making prosthetics for local people and veterans
• The prosthetic clinic provides initial rehabilitation as well as life-long support
• Luke Pollard MP says more must be done remove barriers for disabled people

The Livewell Southwest prosthetics rehabilitation service is based at the Thornberry Centre in Derriford and sees patients of any age, who have had an amputation or who have been born with a limb deficiency.

The prosthetics rehabilitation service assesses whether people are suitable for a prosthesis (artificial limb) and if they are, will work with them to develop, fit and supply a suitable limb. The service supports people through initial rehabilitation but also provides life-long advice to people about their amputation, prosthesis or related issues.

A dedicated multi-disciplinary team, led by a consultant in rehabilitation medicine, includes prosthetists (people who specialise in measuring, designing and fitting artificial limbs), technicians, a physiotherapist, a nurse and other allied health professionals.

The primary aim of the service is to maximise people’s potential for mobility and independence. In many cases, this includes supporting the individual in a way that allows them to return to as many of their pre-amputation activities as possible.

Luke Pollard MP said:

“I had a superb visit to Livewell Southwest hearing about their work with prosthetics and what a difference it can make to people in Plymouth. The staff here do so much to support local people and veterans. Having the right prosthetic can make a significant difference in people’s lives. I was hugely impressed by the level of care, precision and expertise at the clinic.

 

“There are still too many barriers for people with prosthetic limbs. Technological progress and the work done by clinics like Livewell Southwest helps makes every day life more accessible. Government must do more to support both disabled people and the health care bodies that support them.

 

“Whether it is transport, employment, education, transport or health we need to ensure that disabled people are treated equally and with dignity. Labour is committed to creating a country that treats disabled people with dignity and respect, giving disabled people the opportunity to participate fully and equally in our society.”