Bristol bionics firm launches first UK Clinic for amputees
Bristol-based Open Bionics recently launched its first clinic in the UK to deliver 3D printed bionic arms for amputees.
The clinic received a grant under Innovate UK’s Sustainable Innovation Fund aimed at building UK resilience following the coronavirus outbreak. This enabled Open Bionics to switch from being a manufacturer of bionic limbs to a clinical provider.
Based in Bristol, the new clinic produces the Hero Arm, the company’s life-changing product for individuals with below-elbow limb differences. Since the clinic launch, OpenBionics has seen patients travelling from across the UK to access life-changing bionic technology.
Bionic arms for limb differences
One of the first patients to receive medical care at the clinic was Caroline Coster. A COVID-19 survivor, Caroline also suffered from viral sepsis, requiring her to undergo a quadruple amputation.
Using technologies like 3D scanning, modelling, and printing, the clinic is the UK first clinic to offer 3D printed sockets. These are a critical part that ensures a prosthesis fits like a glove and offers optimal comfort. Since launching, the Open Bionics clinic has fitted bionic arms for people from as young as eight years old.
Open Bionics is on a mission to support individuals to turn their disabilities into superpowers. Upper limb amputees interested in getting a Hero Arm at the clinic can register to book an appointment and view full pricing on the Open Bionics website.
Open Bionics Clinic: Creating jobs, transforming lives
Caroline Coster said: “My Open Bionics clinical experience has been really amazing. The first time I picked up a ball with my Hero Arm and held it, it felt like having a superpower. Having the technical and clinical expertise as part of the prosthesis fitting process was really incredible as I was able to see how the Hero Arm could be customised to meet my personal needs.”
Find out more about the Open Bionics clinic at openbionics.com/open-bionics-clinic
Photo credit: Sebastiaan ter Burg
