By ANEEKA SIMONIS
CHEMOTHERAPY patients will have access to a new, exciting level of care and comfort at St John of God Hospital Berwick’s relocated oncology department – a wig library.
The library, which is expected to open on Kangan Drive after February next year, will help women feel better about themselves as they go through chemotherapy.
“People don’t realise how expensive it is to be sick,” said the hospital’s Oncology Manager Mary Anne Burr.
“When people go through chemotherapy, they have to take time off work or access their holiday or leave pay.
“Wigs can be very expensive to purchase and for some people losing their hair is more difficult than the chemotherapy itself,” Mary said.
The department plans to offer a room full of wigs that patients can access for free throughout their therapy, whether it’s for everyday use or for a special occasion.
“We all spend a lot of time making ourselves look beautiful for family, friends or our partners.
“We think it’d be lovely to offer some assistance to people facing the challenge of physical change, which can be very difficult,” Mary said of the wigs, which cancer sufferers cannot claim under health insurance.
The idea was inspired by previous chemotherapy patient Kate Smith who has dedicated time to setting up the invaluable service in hospitals across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
She helped start her first venture, the Mornington Peninsular Wig Library (MPWL) which now has more than 700 wigs, dozens of hats, scarves, sleep caps, scarves and turbans for patient use.
Mary said St John of God’s new oncology ward will start with a modest collection but hopes to build its range in the coming years.
“We will start off small and, depending on demand and costs, we will be able to get more for patients.
“Any donations would be gratefully appreciated,” she said.
Each wig will be kept in excellent condition, regularly washed and brushed for the safe use of new patients, Mary said.
