Wirral Limb Centre’s First Multi-Grip Hand Patient: Julie Griffin’s Life-Changing Journey
A woman born with only one arm has had her life transformed thanks to groundbreaking prosthetic technology at Wirral University Teaching Hospital.
Julie Griffin, 54, who is a keen gardener, learned to function with only one hand but thanks to a ground-breaking policy from NHS England, she’s now experiencing a level of independence she never thought possible.
She has become the first congenital upper limb patient at the Wirral Limb Centre to receive a multi-grip prosthetic hand, made possible by the NHS England Multi-Grip Hand Policy. The policy, introduced in 2022, aims to improve access to advanced prosthetic technology, offering eligible patients multi-grip hands that can perform a variety of functions, such as precision grip, power grip, and finger-pointing for touchscreen use.
Julie has worn prosthetic arms since childhood, but they were more about appearance than functionality.
She said: “I can remember being four or five and always having what I called a 'dress arm.' It was attached, but it never actually did anything – it was just for show.
“There were obviously things I couldn’t do with two hands, and that frustrated me. Everyday tasks like tying my shoelaces or drying my hair were much harder. I used to wish I had a second hand – it would have made life so much easier.”
Over the years, she adapted by using assistive gadgets and learning creative ways to manage tasks with one hand. However, during routine medical assessments, she discovered that her working arm was getting weaker, prompting her to research other options. That’s when she came across the NHS multi-grip policy and approached the Wirral Limb Centre at Wirral University Teaching Hospital to see if it was something they could offer.
Julie said: “Multi-grip technology is incredibly advanced, but the cost can range from £25,000 to £80,000 – completely out of reach for me.
“But thanks to the NHS policy, I became the first patient at the Wirral Limb Centre to benefit from it.”
Her journey involved weeks of training at the centre to build up the necessary muscle strength to control the prosthetic.
She added: “First, you start with a myoelectric arm to get your muscles used to the movement. Then, after a year, you get to choose from different multi-grip hands. “It was so emotional. I was born without a right hand, and suddenly, after all this time, I had one – and I could tell it what to do. It felt surreal.”
Julie credits the team at the Wirral Limb Centre for making her journey even more special.
She added: “Everyone at the centre was just as excited as I was. We were all on this journey together. With me being the first patient to receive a multi-grip hand there, it was new for the team too. It was a first for all of us, and that made it even more special.
“The moment you walk through the door, you’re met with smiles from everyone – from the receptionists to the physios. They’re all fantastic and an absolute credit to the NHS.”
Since receiving her new hand, Julie has embraced the small but significant changes that have transformed her day-to-day life.
She said: “I can do more with two hands now than I ever imagined. Even something as simple as changing a duvet cover is easy! It’s the little things that most people take for granted that have made the biggest difference. I can’t put into words how much it means.
“It’s been incredible for gardening. I can handle a lawnmower now, which has made my favourite hobby so much easier and more enjoyable. I can hold a bucket with both hands while watering or grip twigs in one hand while cutting them. It’s completely changed how I do things.”
Based at the Clatterbridge Hospital site, Wirral Limb Centre provides specialist care, including prosthetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and counselling, helping patients regain their mobility and independence.
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital said: “At Wirral University Teaching Hospital, we are committed to embracing innovation that transforms lives. Julie’s story is a fantastic example of how advanced technology can enhance independence and improve quality of life. I’m incredibly proud of our team at the Wirral Limb Centre for their dedication to providing life-changing care for our patients.”
Hoping her story will encourage others to explore their options, Julie added:
“At first, I would catch myself reverting to my old ways and had to remind myself, that I have a new hand now. It took some getting used to but I can’t stress enough how life-changing this has been. For anyone out there who might be eligible, I’d say – look into it. It could change your life too.”
