St George's Hospital Trust has funded new Paxman Scalp Cooling System to help chemotherapy patients keep their hair

The scalp cooler has been in use since July 2019 and has shown to help reduce hair loss for St George’s chemotherapy patients. Having this machine in place has allowed staff on the Trevor Howell Day Unit to retain patients as it has improved the delivery of specialist care.

Fay Desmond, lead chemotherapy nurse, said: “Patient experience is so important in the cancer setting and those that have used the machine have reported how pleased they are that we received this machine for the unit.”

St George's even provided some feedback from patients who have used the system.

“For me, losing my hair was my biggest fear," one patient said.

"Being able to use the scalp cooling system has enabled me to keep a little part of me whilst undergoing chemotherapy treatment.”

Others added that it has enabled them to maintain their dignity and identity.

“Although it feels horrible for the first 10-15 minutes, I would recommend that everyone tries the scalp cooling system as knowing you have a chance of keeping your hair doesn’t make chemotherapy seem so bad," another comment added.

Fay finished off by saying that the ability to fund machines such as the Paxman scalp cooler embodies St George’s Hospital Charity’s vision of ‘better care, healthier lives’.