Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2013 | Page 102

FASHION HEALTH & BEAUTY

Wigs can help manage
sensitive lifestyle change
Many people see their hair as an

and therefore stock a large wardrobe

important part of their appearance and

of wigs covering a wide range of

identity, and so it can be particularly

styles and colours for the patient to try.

stressful when they suffer hair loss or

If a style or colour is not available from

hair thinning.

stock they will be ordered for approval

To help patients manage this

at a fitting appointment. Once the wig

sensitive lifestyle change, the Isle

has been chosen, we can then trim

of Wight NHS Wig Service provides

and shape it according to the patient’s

comprehensive support and care

requirements.”

for people with long and short term

One patient said: “As a lady coming

hair loss resulting from alopecia or

up to 60, I have since the age of

following chemotherapy.

15 suffered with alopecia, which

Carol Mabey, Head of Orthotics,

is understandably not a very nice

said: “Changes in a person’s

condition to live with. But with the

appearance can influence self-esteem

support, care and attention given by

and confidence, and in some cases,

Debbie Malcolm in the wig department

can make them feel uncomfortable

at St Mary's Hospital, I can now

about socialising. It is therefore

go out and face the world feeling

important that patients receive

very confident. I cannot praise this

sensitive and professional support.

department enough nor the kindness

We combine clinical and
hairdressing skills to deliver a

and empathy shown by Debbie.”
The Isle of Wight NHS Wig Service

complete service in a calm, private

is situated within the Orthotic and

and friendly environment.

Prosthetic department at St Mary’s

“Our service is accessed via referral
by healthcare professionals including

Hospital.
Wigs provided by the Isle of Wight

GPs which takes up to two weeks.

NHS are available on prescription.

The patient then meets with Debbie

National prescription charges

Malcolm, our wig specialist, a fully

are applicable (currently £63.35).

qualified hairdresser and qualified

However, exemptions do apply and

clinician, for a private consultation and

details can be found by accessing the

fitting. The IW NHS Trust is unique

HC12 document (A quick guide to help

in providing a wig specialist to assist

with health costs) via the

patients.”
Debbie Malcolm, Assistant Orthotic
Practitioner and Wig Specialist,

Department of Health website at
www.dh.gov.uk.
For further information the Wig

said: “We appreciate that this can

Service, please contact Debbie

be a very emotional and sensitive

Malcolm, Clinician and Wig Specialist

experience and we will try to make the

at the Orthotics and Prosthetic

consultation as easy as possible for

department on 01983 552359.

the patient. We see people of all ages

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