Raising Issues

Issues raised during meetings have focused mainly on ill-fitting prosthetics. Many members complain about the service to supply a decent fitting artificial limb. Newcastle Disablement Centre (A.L.A.C.) is aware of the concerns and sent a representative to one of T.A.G.S. meetings in 2005 to listen to the complaints and to discuss how the situation can be improved. This issue is ongoing.

There is an issue with Sunderland Royal Hospital to provide a suitable facility for the rehabilitation of lower limb amputees. This facility should include fixed to floor walking training rails and mini-stairs and ramp for enhancement once walking ability has been achieved. A meeting with the executives of the hospital was held in February 2005. As a result of this meeting there was the promise of an investigation into the existing facility with the possibility of looking for an alternative facility as a solution. The group are still waiting for feedback.

T.A.G.S. has contact with the Sunderland Echo who occasionally write an article to boost the groups profile. Sunderland City Library has helped the group with numerous contacts and advice. Sunderland Rotary Club is offering to help with funding and assist with activities and outings for the group during 2006.
The T.A.G.S. poster is distributed throughout the area and includes Hospitals, Doctors Surgeries, Libraries, etc.

AMPUTATIONS AND DRIVING

Introduction
Driving is an important means to independence for amputees, enabling you to carry out daily living tasks outside the home as well as taking part in social activities, without having to rely on others for transportation.

Whether you are an already licensed driver who has recently become an amputee, or an amputee going for your driver’s license for the first time, the information here applies to you.
Will you need special devices on your vehicle, or special driver training? What will obtain or renewing your driver’s license entail? Will you have any restrictions on your license?
While no two amputees will have exactly the same experience obtaining a driver’s license, there are two main possibilities:

1) No Special Requirements
It is possible for a right below-knee amputee to learn to drive a car with manual transmission and pass a driving test so long as the examiner is satisfied that the amputee can control accelerator and brake safely with the artificial limb. A left above or below-knee amputee can drive a vehicle with automatic transmission as their artificial limb does not impact on the ability to use the accelerator or brake pedals. It is all about satisfying the examiner that the vehicle can be handled and driven safely.
Most insurance companies do not require an additional premium for a disability.
Note: It does pay to “shop around” for the best quotes for insurance premiums.

2) Assessment Necessary
For some amputees, particularly bi-lateral amputees, an assessment will be deemed necessary to determine what devices need to be fitted to the vehicle and/or to satisfy the D.V.L.A. that the amputee will be able to drive safely.
The assessment costs £50 and consists of a medical to assess any movement restrictions while in the vehicle and a 1 hour test drive in the assessment centre’s vehicle. The vehicle has an automatic transmission and is fitted with hand controls with a steering ball attached to the steering wheel. Once mastered, this method of driving is convenient and very comfortable. The assessment centre inform you immediately if they are satisfied that you can drive competently. If already a license holder there is no need to re-sit a driving test.

The address/telephone number of the nearest North East assessment centre is
Mobility Centre
Regional Neurological Rehabilitation Centre
Hunters Road
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE2 4NR
Tel 0191 2195661

If an amputee requires hand controls fitted to the car or any other mobility device, contact
Hunters Mobility Services
Sunderland Enterprise Park
Alexandra Avenue
Sunderland
Tyne and Wear
SR5 2TF
Tel 0191 5487722