§ Mr. Bendallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects that the assessment currently being carried out of the Swedish myoelectric hand will be completed; how he intends to convey the results to the parents of children thought to be likely to benefit from it; why such trials are being conducted in the United Kingdom when they have already been carried out in Sweden; who will decide whether or not the trials have been successful; and whether the parents of eligible children will be involved in the final decision.
§ Mr. Alfred Morris:The trial will run for as long as is necessary to allow sufficient knowledge and experience to be gained.
621WDr. Sorbye, who has been concerned with fitting children in Sweden, has built up his experience over seven years by fitting a few children each year. Only very recently has the hand gone into commercial production. The trial in this country will not only evaluate the clinical value of the hand, but will be concerned with the logistics of supply, reliability and other technical factors. These areas must be explored before general supply under the National Health Service can be satisfactorily considered.
The trial is being carried out under the supervision of the principal medical officer for the artificial limb service. He will prepare a report based on the findings of all the doctors, physiotherapists, medical social workers and technicians involved. The parents are also closely involved in the trial and account will be taken of their views. After studying the recommendations, I will announce my Department's policy on future supply.
§ Mr. Bendallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how the allocation for 1977–78 of £500,000 for research into artifical hands for children was spent; how much money had previously been spent on such research; and what is the budget for 1978–79.
§ Mr. Alfred Morris:Prosthetic research and development takes in the whole field of artificial arms and legs and associated equipment for the limb deficient of all ages and amputation levels. Much of this work is concerned with long-term basic research to establish design and structural parameters and feasibility studies into new concepts. Some examples of successful developments are a modular leg capable of quick assembly, an aid to provide mobility immediately after leg amputation, an adjustable socket to provide for stump volume changes and special equipment to accelerate wound-healing and prevent oedema. The current research programme includes a new method of controlled socket manufacture; a leg especially designed for elderly amputees; a lightweight working arm and the concealment, within the prosthesis, of the operating cords of body-powered arms. There is also a continuing programme to reduce the weight of or improve the comfort and function of currently available hardware. Examples of these are new types of knee and elbow 622W mechanisms, suspension attachments, moulded feet and a new soft cosmetic cover for modular legs.
Both my Department and the artificial limb contractors engage in research and development and this is reflected by the figures. For 1976–77, the total was about £400,000 and, for 1977–78, £500,000. It is expected to be of the order of £500,000 in 1978–79.
§ Mr. Bendallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the prospects for manufacturing the myoelectric hand in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Alfred Morris:Work on a similar type of prosthesis is going on in this country and has now been accelerated. If the trials now in progress are successful the introduction of a British-made hand will be considered.
§ Mr. Bendallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if it is proposed to try the larger version of the myoelectric hand when available on children aged 6 years and over.
§ Mr. Alfred Morris:This will be considered in the light of the results of the present trial.