Ex-Afghanistan soldier criticises NHS over prosthetic legs 'delay' claim

Clive Smith took part in the Invictus games

A former soldier who lost both legs in an explosion has criticised the time it takes the NHS to provide prosthetics to ex-service personnel.

Clive Smith, from Cannock, stepped on an IED in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan in October 2010.

He had surgery on the skin of his stumps in Birmingham in June and said he has been wheelchair bound while waiting for new prosthetics.

The NHS said care and support services for veterans was "a priority".

Mr Smith, who was in the army for 11 years and served with 33 Engineer Regiment, said: "My entire life seems to be stalling because I can't leave the house on my own."

Clive Smith with the hand bike he used in the Invictus Games at the Olympic velodrome

The 29-year-old, who took part in the Invictus games last year, was told he needed surgery to repair skin in February.

He claimed he was accidentally listed on two surgeons' waiting lists so missed the chance for an operation in April and waited until June.

He was told it would take two-and-a-half months to fashion new sockets for his prosthetics on the NHS - which he is set to receive on 17 September - but he claimed that compared to nine days from the Ministry of Defence.

He said: "There are numerous people going through a similar thing to myself. I don't think it's acceptable.

"The NHS hasn't delivered on its promise of the same level of care as while we were serving."

Priority treatment

West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre, for amputees, said: "We are disappointed this has been Mr Smith's experience and we continue to have contact with him."

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where Mr Smith had surgery, said: "The quality of care delivered to all of our patients is paramount.

Mr Smith was seen by a consultant on 2 February and was referred for planned, non-emergency surgery on 1 June, within the 18-week referral-to-treatment time standard.

"He was seen three times in the clinic prior to his operation. The hospital has not received a complaint from Mr Smith."

NHS England said: "All veterans are entitled to priority NHS treatment for any condition related to their service.

"We are working closely with rehabilitation centres to ensure that veterans are able to access high-quality care as quickly and easily as possible."