Free community wigs to boost self esteem
St John of God Berwick Hospital is proud to be supporting cancer suffers in the community, with the launch of their new Community wig program. The free hair-hire service is open, not only to the hospital’s oncology patients, but to all cancer suffers in the local area throughout the duration of their treatment.
24 Oct 2016
St John of God Berwick Hospital is proud to be supporting cancer suffers in the community, with the launch of their new Community wig program. The free hair-hire service is open, not only to the hospital’s oncology patients, but to all cancer suffers in the local area throughout the duration of their treatment.St John of God Berwick Hospital Director of Nursing, Lisa Evans, spoke at length about the importance of hair to a person’s identity, self-expression and personality ahead of the official launch on Tuesday 5 April.
“The Community Wig Service gives us an opportunity to add another dimension to our Day Oncology for our patients but also to reach out and assist all cancer patients in the region.”
The development of the service was a community effort, with a team of volunteers trained to fit, style and maintain the wigs. A large number of community groups fundraised to assist with the fit out of the service and purchase of the wigs and supplies.
Currently offering a selection of 50 wigs, the service has plans to expand as demand grows, and intends to boost the self-esteem of patients during their difficult treatment process.
“The Community Wig Service has been developed to service the community. Along with our new Day Oncology Centre which opened in March 2015, we are developing services which complement the expanding hospital and it’s increasing suite of specialties,” said Lisa.