BOMB AMPUTEE DAVID WALKS TO CLINIC LAUNCH
Bomb amputee David walks to clinic launch
AT A GLANCE...
Musgrave Park Hospital opens its new physiotherapy department with the assistance of Omagh bomb victim Alistair Hall, who can now walk again thanks to its staff
By Rosie Uffindell
Health Correspondent
OMAGH victim and football football fan Alistair Hall is back on his feet again thanks to medics at Musgrave Park Hospital. The 13-year-old boy, who lost his right leg in the blast in August 1998, now wears an artificial limb.
But yesterday Alistair was showing off his progress at the official opening of the extended physiotherapy department at the hospital's limb-fitting centre.
"Sometimes I wondered whether I would ever walk again but coming here has really helped," he said.
"It's been brilliant. I can play football now and ride my bike."
There are some 1,500 amputee patients in Northern Ireland, 120 of them as a result of the troubles.
The centre, the refurbishment of which was funded by the Amputee Association of Northern Ireland, is already greatly improving the lifestyle of amputees across the north.
At the opening yesterday Alistair demonstrated a state-of-the-art treadmill donated by the Rotary Club of Omagh.
"He's done extremely well so far," senior physiotherapist Pamela Mercer said.
"It is our hope that eventually he will be able to lead a very full and normal life.
"The treadmill promotes an even walking pattern and gives confidence to people to be able to go to a gym and use equipment there."
Doreen Preston lost two fingers and part of her right leg in the Omagh bomb.
"If it wasn't for the centre I would not be where I am today," she said.
"When you lose a limb you are in bed and you cannot get out of it.
"But when you are able to get out and stand on your two feet it's fantastic.
"All the staff here are magnificent. I owe my life to the limb centre, I really do.
"It's them that have got me where I am today."
David Andrew (11) from Kells had his leg amputated after developing a tumour. Now every week he exercises on the facilities at the hospital.
"It's about getting the balance and the confidence," mother Irene said.
"He can walk a bit without crutches now and the new equipment has increased his confidence a lot."
Clive Gowdy, permanent secretary at the Department of Health, opened the new centre.
"These new facilities and equipment will add yet another dimension to the facilities already provided at Musgrave Park and will be of special benefit to people who have been fitted with artificial limbs," he said.
"There are great benefits to be gained from partnerships between public bodies and voluntary organisations in providing better healthcare services.
"As a result of this partnership, people with disabilities will benefit from services that will help them to enjoy an increased level of independence and an improved quality of life."
AT A GLANCE...
Musgrave Park Hospital opens its new physiotherapy department with the assistance of Omagh bomb victim Alistair Hall, who can now walk again thanks to its staff
By Rosie Uffindell
Health Correspondent
OMAGH victim and football football fan Alistair Hall is back on his feet again thanks to medics at Musgrave Park Hospital. The 13-year-old boy, who lost his right leg in the blast in August 1998, now wears an artificial limb.
But yesterday Alistair was showing off his progress at the official opening of the extended physiotherapy department at the hospital's limb-fitting centre.
"Sometimes I wondered whether I would ever walk again but coming here has really helped," he said.
"It's been brilliant. I can play football now and ride my bike."
There are some 1,500 amputee patients in Northern Ireland, 120 of them as a result of the troubles.
The centre, the refurbishment of which was funded by the Amputee Association of Northern Ireland, is already greatly improving the lifestyle of amputees across the north.
At the opening yesterday Alistair demonstrated a state-of-the-art treadmill donated by the Rotary Club of Omagh.
"He's done extremely well so far," senior physiotherapist Pamela Mercer said.
"It is our hope that eventually he will be able to lead a very full and normal life.
"The treadmill promotes an even walking pattern and gives confidence to people to be able to go to a gym and use equipment there."
Doreen Preston lost two fingers and part of her right leg in the Omagh bomb.
"If it wasn't for the centre I would not be where I am today," she said.
"When you lose a limb you are in bed and you cannot get out of it.
"But when you are able to get out and stand on your two feet it's fantastic.
"All the staff here are magnificent. I owe my life to the limb centre, I really do.
"It's them that have got me where I am today."
David Andrew (11) from Kells had his leg amputated after developing a tumour. Now every week he exercises on the facilities at the hospital.
"It's about getting the balance and the confidence," mother Irene said.
"He can walk a bit without crutches now and the new equipment has increased his confidence a lot."
Clive Gowdy, permanent secretary at the Department of Health, opened the new centre.
"These new facilities and equipment will add yet another dimension to the facilities already provided at Musgrave Park and will be of special benefit to people who have been fitted with artificial limbs," he said.
"There are great benefits to be gained from partnerships between public bodies and voluntary organisations in providing better healthcare services.
"As a result of this partnership, people with disabilities will benefit from services that will help them to enjoy an increased level of independence and an improved quality of life."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0338
Published Date: 24-Feb-00
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