A Consumer’s View

Summary

In presenting this view the problem is to ensure that no part of the content is misunderstood by those working in the Artificial Limb Services. I am personally very grateful for allthat the surgeons and prosthetists have done over the years to keep me mobile. I readily admit to being not the most patient of patients. My views should not be construed by individuals as personal criticism but rather that, having had over 37 years on the receiving end of the Limbs Service, and as General Secretary of. the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association (BLESMA) involved with large numbers of other limb wearers, I may have something helpful to say based upon that experience. I also serve as Secretary of the Consumer’s Consultative Group on Artificial Limbs, which is beginning to operate with good results in the service in England and Wales. I propose to make my contribution in two parts: one outlining the experiences of new amputees, and the other providing some general comment as to what the user might reasonably expect, and what needs to be done for his benefit.