"To have the opportunity to try it and to use it and get the latest technology is fabulous for us because it just gives us that freedom to get out and do more things and have greater functionality and more independence, " said the 31-year-old London 2012 competitor.

BBC: 'Bionic legs' for military amputees

It had been put forward for foundation trust (FT) status - elite status that gives hospitals freedom from government control.

BBC: Stafford Hospital: Does NHS boss have case to answer?