Appliances (wigs and breast prostheses)
Wigs and breast prostheses are offered to inpatients and outpatients, and you can be seen at any stage during or after your treatment.
External breast prosthesis
The appliance officer can help with fitting and ordering an external breast prosthesis if you have had a mastectomy. There is no charge for NHS patients. The full procedure will be explained when they contact you.
Wig
The appliance officer can help you choose and order a wig if you have hair loss related to your cancer treatment. There is a prescription charge which is outlined below.
We offer a range of prescription wigs in different colours and styles. If you have been told that your treatment may cause your hair to fall out, the staff will refer you to the appliance officer or the hairdresser.
Our hairdresser can also help with choosing and ordering a wig. It is much easier to match for style and colour when you still have your natural hair. Our appliance officer or hairdresser can show you pictures of a range of acrylic wigs, colour swatches and examples of wigs on mannequin heads.
Prescription charges for wigs
The Department of Health prescription charge for a wig is currently £59.20, which you have to pay unless you meet the criteria on the list of exemptions.
Hairdresser
Cutting and blow drying from our hairdresser is available for inpatients only as we do not have a salon. You can ask your ward nurse to make you an appointment; outpatients need to go to their own hairdressers.
You can still visit your own hairdresser before you lose your hair. However, if you are an inpatient you may prefer our hairdresser to cut your hair if it is falling out, as you may not be able to visit a salon at this time.
How do I get to see the appliance officer or hairdresser?
You can contact the appliance officer directly for an appointment or ask a member of staff to refer you.
Chelsea – Appliance officer: 020 7808 2812
Sutton – Appliance officer: 020 8661 3079