Local MP and Veterans Minister Mark Francois recently made the journey to Hedley Court, alongside Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond, to announce new funding for War heroes who have lost their legs in combat. Injured service personnel will now have access to the most technologically advanced prosthetics currently available, including the Genium ‘bionic’ leg made famous by discus thrower, Private Derek Derenalagi in the London Paralympic Games.
The Government has made £6.5 million available to guarantee that all Serving and former members of our Armed Forces who have been injured while serving their country in Iraq or Afghanistan will be able to have the latest technology prosthetics, where clinical conditions indicate that this is appropriate.
The next generation of micro processor knee, sometimes described as a ‘bionic leg’, will dramatically improve the quality of life and rehabilitation for our troops and veterans. It provides better stability, greater mobility and exciting new movement possibilities including the ability to step over obstacles, negotiate stairs and walk backwards safely.
This additional funding represents the Government’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that anyone injured while serving their country gets special consideration and the best possible medical treatment. It builds on the new £17 million Rehabilitation Complex at Headley Court and £5 million announced last year to modernise and refurbish accommodation there– ensuring our injured Service personnel get the very best.
Commenting on the announcement, Mark Francois said:
“One of this Government’s top priorities has always been to give our troops the best possible care and support. There is no greater example of this than Headley Court, which provides world class medical care and rehabilitation for personnel that have been injured while serving their country. Last year we spent £22 million improving the facilities at Headley Court and I am delighted to announce that we will now spend a further £6.5 million to ensure UK Servicemen and veterans injured in Afghanistan or Iraq will have the opportunity to upgrade to the most technologically advanced prosthetics currently available.”