Health Minister Vaughan Gething has announced a new fund to provide specialist sport prosthetics for children and young people in Wales.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Whilst a range of prosthetic equipment is already provided on the NHS, specialist sports prosthetics, like running blades, have not been routinely available until now.
The funding of £417,000 a year will provide extra staff and resources at three specialists centres in Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham, where children and young people under 25 can be assessed and provided with running and swimming prosthetics. The fund will open from April next year and children and young people can discuss this at their next regular assessment for their prostheses.
Mr Gething said:
We want all our children and young people to enjoy an active lifestyle. This new fund will support the next generation of children and young disabled people to be more active. I hope all those eligible will apply to the fund and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Ian Massey, Clinical Lead Prosthetist at the Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre, Rookwood Hospital, said:
We are thrilled that Wales will now be able to provide recreational and sport prosthetics for our children and young people under 25. Having access to these devices will allow this group of patients to participate in sport, play with their peers and realise their full potential.