Hi,
I am due to start chemo in a couple of weeks so thought I would get a head start on organising a wig. I am currently having all my consults and treatment in Chester (england) but have been told that my chemo will probably be in wales as I live just over the border and have a Welsh postcode.
I went to a wig specialist in Chester today who has said that even though I am not on low income I should still get something towards a wig as it is for cancer treatment, is this correct?
Also, she said that as she is in england and my chemo is wales I may not be able to go to her with my nhs prescription as the nhs wales won’t fund nhs wig suppliers in england and has advised me to contact my bcn?
Has anybody else been in this situation, had looked through a few and was happy with this supplier so not sure what to do, can go private with her but she said I would probably lose out of a fee hundred pounds that I am eligible for?
Thanks xx
Most Trusts in England will give you a wig. Sometimes as in my case you have to go to the supplier they recommend but I have heard (and seen it on wig websites) that you can use a voucher and pay the difference if you want something a bit nicer. You will get one wig (or one voucher to the value of xyz) but if you decided to buy another you don’t have to pay any VAT. You have to fill in a form saying that you are undergoing medical treatment and give the name of your oncologist. Then the shop or website supply your wig or on my case topper without charging VAT. If it turns out you are not having medical treatment that results in hair loss the tax people will come after you and not the shop. With chemo that VAT exemption lasts for a year so in my case it will be up in August and if I want another topper I ought to buy it before then.
If you have something medical which gives you permanent hair loss you can get two wigs a year and never have to pay VAT if you buy additional pieces.
A standard NHS wig will be something like a Jade by Rene of Paris about £90 (including VAT) that was the one I got. You could spend a thousand or more on a human hair wig.
Sorry but I have no idea about what happens in Wales.
Hi Williams, I got my wig on Thursday. I was panicked a bit as I had heard that I needed to order it and it could take up to three weeks! My oncologist gave me a prescription for a wig which I exchanged for an order form in the appliance department of the hospital. I was advised to go to a local supplier, and I shot off worrying that it was a holiday weekend. However , the owner was wonderful. There were loads of wigs to choose from and I got a lovely hand woven one on a lace cap. She did recommend that particular one as it is quite light and fitted well. I was surprised, and pleased, to be told that my hospital puts no financial cap on the wig, unlike the two NHS Trusts bordering mine. Apparently they only contribute £69 to the cost. So I feel quite lucky . She packed it there and then, and I have been practicing wearing it, as advised. I was not bothered about losing my hair, but I was bothered about a cheap, nasty looking wig.
Not really helpful with your Wales/ England scenario, but a demonstration of the differences around the country, and a lesson to me to check facts more carefully! Hope you get something worked out.x
Hi Williams500
I live in North Wales and have been to a really lovely lady in Prestatyn with my voucher of £90. I went for my head shaved last Monday as my hair was coming out rapidly and had the wig straight away to make me feel more comfortable. I am just wearing scarfs in the house as I do find the wig hot. I grew up near Chester and love it, I often go shopping and socialising there. I have had my second round of chemotherapy felt a bit worse this time, not sure if it’s the build up in your body after each treatment. Are you also having the drug for osteoporosis which has been proven to fight bone cancer, and I thought was offered to most women with breast cancer. I go to Glan Clwyd for my treatment so that is probably where you will go. The salon is Morgan’s and the phone number is 01745 798747 the lady is Rebecca and she is lovely such a warm, caring person. Hope this helps…xx
Hi Williams500
I live in North Wales and have been to a really lovely lady in Prestatyn with my voucher of £90, the hospital gave me the voucher and everybody is entitled I think. I went for my head shaved last Monday as my hair was coming out rapidly and had the wig straight away to make me feel more comfortable. I am just wearing scarfs in the house as I do find the wig hot. I grew up near Chester and love it, I often go shopping and socialising there. I have had my second round of chemotherapy felt a bit worse this time, not sure if it’s the build up in your body after each treatment. Are you also having the drug for osteoporosis which has been proven to fight bone cancer, and I thought was offered to most women with breast cancer. I go to Glan Clwyd for my treatment so that is probably where you will go. The salon is Morgan’s and the phone number is 01745 798747 the lady is Rebecca and she is lovely such a warm, caring person. Hope this helps…xx
I get one wig free. Based in Buckinhamshre