Amputee Becomes First Person to Receive Bionic Hand on NHS
An amputee who lost his arm after being hit by a train as a teenager has become the first person in the UK to receive a bionic hand on the NHS.
Since losing his right arm as a teenager in a terrifying accident, Mike Swainger has been robbed of the everyday actions that most of us take for granted.
But now, Mr Swainger is once again able to tie his shoe laces and walk hand in hand with a loved one after becoming the first person in the UK to be fitted with a bionic hand on the NHS.Mr Swainger, 33, from Hull, who lost his right arm and leg aged 13 when he was hit by a train while playing with friends, said that his new battery-powered hand, known as the "myo-electric bebionic3", had revolutionised his life.
"It has changed my life immeasurably," he said. "Having a bionic hand that actually works like a real hand is such a confidence booster. It encourages you to take on different tasks and is a great ice breaker. I've heard little kids in the street saying 'Look, it's a robot'."
Mr Swainger said that the most uplifting feeling was being able, for the first time, to walk hand-in-hand with his daughter, Jodie, who is six.
"The best thing was when my youngest child, Jodie, held the bionic hand in the street without batting an eyelid," he said. "My family are over the moon."
The arm uses some of the most advanced medical technology to operate. It consists of two electrodes in a socket, with one connected to his bicep and the other linked to his tricep.
Electronic impulses from the muscles and nerve endings create a current, which triggers the movement in the hand. If Mr Swainger tenses his bicep, the hand closes and if he tenses his tricep, it opens.
Mr Swainger learnt about the bionic arm after carrying out research on the subject and approached the manufacturer, RSLSteeper, offering to be a test case for the firm.
He was told the technology was in the very early stages of development and was more often used abroad or in the private sector, rather than the NHS.
Six months ago, after undergoing checks to test the signals in his arm, Mr Swainger was told he was to be the first person in this country to be fitted with the hand.
He said: "I knew what an incredible impact this would have and was desperate for a break. Having a bebionic hand is a complete life-changer."
Mr Swainger is now able to go fishing and take part in a range of sports he was previously unable to be involved in due to his disability. For the first time in 20 years, he can also shake hands and open a packet of crisps.
"I used to struggle with opening an envelope and taking a letter out, or closing the car door once I'd got in," he said. "Being an amputee can be so daunting and accepting the disability is often the toughest thing.
"I've experienced many highs and lows and want to make that experience available to as many people as possible."
Roya Nikkhah - telegraph.co.uk
