How much does an artificial limb cost?
Choosing a Prosthesis can be daunting and expensive and because every prosthesis is unique to the individual, final costs can be quite varied and we would be very happy to offer an appointment to talk about working with you to find the best prosthetic solution for you.
During this appointment we will get a chance to talk to you about your needs and form an idea of some of the possible ways we might be able to help you and we would also be able to give you an informal indication of their associated costs, including conditions of warranty and guarantee. You might want to discuss our easy payments or installment options as well.
Can I bring a friend?
Family and those who care about you are welcome to attend the initial assessment and subsequent fitting appointments, but we would ask that numbers be restricted to two extra attendees.
Do I pay each time I see you?
You will not be charged for follow-up appointments during the three months following delivery of your first designprosthetics
prosthesis. After this there is a fee for continuing care to maintain comfort and function. Each subsequent new limb or socket change is eligible for free follow up appointments for three months after delivery.
Throughout the process of providing you with your prosthesis, key milestones will be agreed and signed off. At no time will you be asked to accept a milestone sign-off without the full agreement of you and/or your family.
How long does it take to make a prosthesis?
Usually from initial consultation to delivery of your prosthesis will take between three and six visits to the clinic, each visit can last up to four hours.
How long will my prosthesis last?
The components in your prosthesis have a warranty attached and major components such as knees and feet should last several years. The fit of your socket can change however, especially during the first two years post-amputation and so the socket will need to be adjusted and sometimes replaced as the shape and volume of your residual limb changes. The socket fitting is the most important component of your limb system.
When will I walk again?
This depends on the level of mobility you were achieving immediately pre-operatively. This is discussed on an individual basis.
It is not uncommon however, for some people to achieve a higher level of mobility and comfort than before they had their amputation.
Where is Lewes?
In Sussex, in the South East of England
Can I stay locally in Lewes?
In some circumstances, for those who have traveled some distance, local accommodation can be arranged and an accelerated programme of provision completed.
Can you park at the centre?
There is a number of parking spaces at the centre.
Do you offer advice over the phone/email?
I can offer some advice by phone and email and will try to respond to every inquiry once. I am unable to be involved in lengthy correspondence as this takes me away from my clinical practice. I will endeavour to provide a satisfactory response to any question. There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid answers.
Can I see you under NHS funding?
There is currently no formal agreement allowing me to see clients under NHS funding, however there are precedents for referral to private providers.
If you are sure that your local service centre has done all they can to support you and you feel I can help further, you will need to discuss with your rehabilitation consultant at your next appointment.
Do you offer walking training?
Walking training can be provided at the centre or in your home by our appointed physiotherapist who specialises in amputee rehabilitation. This module can be added to your plan.
Do you treat children?
Yes, I have extensive experience in paediatric prosthetics for both congenital absence and anomaly and acquired amputation. DBS checks are complete.
Is there a counsellor I can speak to?
Should you wish to speak to a professional counsellor about issues that are outside the remit of my experience, I can recommend the best to you. This would be a separate referral to my colleague.
Can you visit me in my home?
In rare cases, I can visit you in your home. I understand that for some, mobility and even fear of venturing out can prove restrictive, resulting in a reluctance to visit the centre.
There would be a premium attached to a home visit and signed consent will be required to enter your home. I can share our lone-working policy which explains all you need to know.
I or a member of my family is facing amputation; What will happen next?
So, you have been told that amputation is the only way forward? Don't panic!
In the first instance, you will probably be referred to your local NHS centre where you will meet your consultant in rehabilitation medicine and also your prosthetist, physiotherapist, nurse and other members of the multidisciplinary team. This visit should answer most of your fears and set a good foundation for your recovery.
I am an established amputee, why would I choose to come to Design Prosthetics Ltd?
If you are perfectly happy with the service you currently receive, there is no need.
If however you feel that you aren't achieving your expectations and you feel that the time and attention a very experienced prosthetist can give you, may help you achieve a higher degree of comfort and function, call now.
What do I do now?
Call me 07468 605 081 for a friendly informal discussion around your needs.
We want to establish a lifelong relationship with our clients and we will do all we can to make sure that you are satisfied with your outcome.
If clients are travelling from abroad or from a distance in the UK, we will be happy to give some idea of costings over the phone or by email.
We accept NHS Referrals. To be eligible for NHS funding to attend our centre; you would need to discuss your individual case in the first instance with your Rehabilitation Consultant, GP or directly with NHSEngland.
We do not charge VAT if you are registered disabled in the UK.
We accept cash, credit card, bank transfer or cheque payments.