Fiona attends Parliamentary event on hair loss support services for cancer patients

 Fiona attended a parliamentary event with charity My New Hair to raise awareness of hair loss issues for cancer and alopecia patients.

Fiona met with My New Hair patients, hair professionals and nurses to find out more about the issues faced by people who lose their hair through cancer treatment or for other medical reasons.

The event took place at the House of Commons on October 27^th and called for improvements in NHS wig services for men, women and children affected by medical hair loss. Services vary in quality and patient experience differs widely across the country.

Fiona said:

"I have been through hair loss following cancer treatment myself and I was not impressed with the quality of the wig I was offered. As many local people will remember I did not wear a wig, but donned hats and scarves instead. I am sad that many patients who suffer hair loss are still not receiving the support that they need from the NHS.  Hair loss is horrible and stressing; the NHS must make sure that wig services are organised in the interest of the patient and include good quality wigs as well as appropriate emotional and practical support. By training hair professionals to understand the needs of patients and to help them to find a style that works for them, My New Hair is making a big difference to patients' lives. "

My New Hair was founded by acclaimed hairdresser Trevor Sorbie M.B.E inspired by his own experience helping a family member during cancer treatment. Trevor now dedicates all of his salon time to offering advice and a wig customisation service to clients suffering medical hair loss.

Trevor Sorbie said:

"This is the beginning of what will be a challenging but exciting journey with the NHS - we have helped set the precedent and encourage the rest of the country to follow our lead. My New Hair has given me a whole new dimension to job satisfaction, using my skills to give something back to society and do something truly meaningful. It isn't about hair, its psychological medicine for women who are suffering hair loss through illness."

The charity provides services directly to people suffering medical hair loss and trains an independent national network of hairdressers to cut and style wigs making them more personal and natural looking.

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by medical hair loss you can call the charity's information helpline on 01798 812 547 or go online for more information at www.mynewhair.org