CANCER-RELATED HAIR LOSS AND WIG SERVICES IN THE NHS

That this House recognises the often profound psychological and physical impact that hair loss can have on individuals undergoing treatment for cancer and on those with alopecia; notes with concern the variation in quality, access and equity of wig provision across the UK; further notes the significant impact that good quality wigs and wig services can have on the self-esteem and self-confidence of individuals following treatment for cancer or as a result of other medical hair loss; further recognises the vital work being undertaken by My New Hair in campaigning for an improvement in the quality and choice of wigs provided by the NHS; warmly welcomes My New Hair's work in providing a national helpline and online resource where patients and carers can access the information they need in order to make an informed choice about the services available to them, includingon choosing a wig, options for children, men and minority ethnic groups through to aftercare and styling; and calls on the Government to take action to reassess the current commissioning guidelines for NHS wig services in order to provide a high standard of care to all individuals sufferingfrom alopecia or medical hair loss.