A first: NHS pays for Brit's bionic hand HULL, England, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A 33-year-old Brit, who lost his right arm and leg at age 13 when he was hit by a train, says National Health Services has outfitted him with a bionic hand. Mike Swainger of Hull said he is the first in Britain to be equipped with a battery-powered hand, known as the "myo-electric bebionic3," paid for by the taxpayer-funded national healthcare system. He said the artificial hand allows him to tie his own shoelaces and walk hand-in-hand with his 6-year-old daughter, The Daily Telegraph reported. "The best thing was when my youngest child, Jodie, held the bionic hand in the street without batting an eyelid," Swainger told the Telegraph. I knew what an incredible impact this would have and was desperate for a break. Having a bebionic hand is a complete life-changer. The arm uses some of the most advanced medical technology to date. It consists of two electrodes in a socket, with one connected to his bicep and the other linked to his tricep. Electronic impulses from the muscles and nerve endings create a current, which triggers movement in the hand, Swainger said. Swainger said if he tenses his bicep, the hand closes and if he tenses his tricep, it opens.