Bionic arms on the NHS after trials by military veterans

BIONIC arms that can accurately reproduce natural hand movements are to be offered to amputees by the NHS.

The limbs are controlled via electrical signals from the brain and can grip objects in a variety of ways, which will enable users to make a wider range of movements and carry out day-to-day tasks more easily. Experts say they can be used by children as young as nine.

The NHS will make the technology available to every patient in England who needs it, following two independent reviews into their use and a successful rollout for military veterans.

Previously, the NHS provided the prosthetics only to former military personnel who had been injured in service.

Darren Fuller, 46, said a bionic arm transformed his life.

Mr Fuller, who lost his right hand and forearm in 2008 while serving with the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, said: “It will change peoples’ lives because they will be able to do things more independently. They have amazing functionality. I can hold a paint brush and paint or pick up a glass and drink from it.”