Patients undergoing chemotherapy in Lincolnshire can now receive additional treatment to reduce hair loss.
A number of cancer patients at Lincoln, Boston and Grantham hospitals are being given scalp-cooling treatment thanks to an appeal by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
Sharon Wilkinson, who is currently undergoing the operation, said: “I am keeping my hair not for vanity but for dignity and to give me focus and strength to fight cancer.”
Wilkinson was one of the first patients to try out the new machine while undergoing chemotherapy.
“Being able to walk down the street with confidence and not feel like everyone is looking at you is so important and empowering during this time,” she said.
“The whole team is fantastic. I’m very proud to have these machines and I’m sure they will help many patients like me.”
The food service manager at a local middle school explained that the decision to undergo cold cap treatment is one of the few things cancer patients can control.
Wilkinson said it helped her significantly reduce hair loss during chemotherapy.
Cold caps are shaped like bicycle helmets and are designed to cool the scalp during chemotherapy.
This reduces blood flow to the scalp, reducing the amount of medication that reaches the scalp.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has launched a campaign called ‘Challenge 75’ and is hosting events to raise funds for the equipment as part of celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the NHS in 2023.
The donations enabled us to purchase three machines that can treat two patients at a time.
Bev Judge, from the charity, said: “Thanks to your generous support we have been able to spend around £60,000 on these fantastic new systems.”
“It’s so inspiring to hear the difference they’re already making for amazing patients like Sharon.”
The machines have been installed in the Ingham Suite at Lincoln County Hospital, the chemotherapy suite at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston and the Emerald Suite at Grantham and District Hospital.
