Jasmine Greenfield begins prosthetic hand fitting at Montego Bay clinic

Thirty-year-old Jasmine Greenfield has taken the first step toward regaining hand function nearly a decade after an ex-partner severed both of her hands in 2017. She visited the Surgix Prosthetic Clinic in Montego Bay, St. James, to begin fitting for prosthetic hands — a move aimed at helping her live more independently while she supports her 15-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter.

Greenfield arrived at the clinic carrying a mix of curiosity and anxiety as the process got under way. Surgix chief executive Winfield Boban said his team acted on direct instructions tied to high-level attention on her case. He said the Prime Minister has taken a strong interest and that his office is working to secure funding to pay for both prosthetic hands.

Greenfield said she is eager to manage basic personal care on her own again. "I would love to see myself actually assisting myself, like using the bathroom, having a shower, and so forth. That's the most curious part that I would like to see happening to myself again."

Boban said the plan is to provide one mechanical hand and one electronic, or bionic, hand. He said the combination should give her greater functionality for everyday chores she now finds difficult, including lifting items, combing her hair, applying lotion, and using her fingers.

The fitting pathway involves several stages. The first three cover molding the prosthesis and taking measurements to ensure proper suspension. Clinicians use a clear test socket to spot where adjustments are needed before the final fitting. The fourth stage will teach Greenfield how to use the new limbs, and the fifth will focus on strengthening her muscles so she can carry and control them.

Boban said how quickly Greenfield reaches the point of using the prosthetics on her own depends largely on her progress and commitment. While the process often takes about 90 days, he said urgent cases can move faster. "With someone like Jasmine who has this urgent need to overcome, if it may normally take 90 days, she may get done in two to 60 days. So, it's really patient specific to be honest."