Wig library will support Bendigo region cancer patients

15 Oct 2024

McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Shanya Beattie and St John of God Bendigo Hospital Director of Nursing, Liz McEncroe

Announcing the initiative as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the hospital’s Director of Nursing, Liz McEncroe, said the free service would help patients with their self-esteem and save them travelling to Melbourne. 

“I was surprised that Bendigo didn’t already have this facility,” she said. 

“It will be a personalised and private process, with appointments available. We’re starting with 36 wigs and hope to expand in the future.” 

Liz said the wigs are high quality and expensive to purchase. 

“We recognise it can be a very sensitive time for cancer patients to explore this issue, and we’ll offer full support and confidentiality,” she said. 

“It’s acknowledged that hair is a huge part of our identity and hair loss can be challenging for people. 

“It makes their disease identifiable, which is something they are not necessarily ready to share with the community. 

“This is about preserving people’s body image and their public persona. Mothers with young children, for example, feel like it makes them look sick if they have hair loss. 

“They’re not necessarily ready to tell the world about their illness and treatment. That is where we can step in and offer a free service to preserve their dignity and their body image, and support them through a really challenging time.” 

St John of God Bendigo Hospital is funding the project through bequests from the community. 

Liz said McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Shanya Beattie, identified the need and she’ll be coordinating the wig library with assistance from the hospital’s dedicated volunteers. 

Shanya said a cancer diagnosis was stressful for patients and their families, and having to travel to Melbourne or Ballarat to purchase a wig added to this. 

“Wigs can be expensive and the process of finding the right one can be overwhelming,” she said. 

“The St John of God Bendigo Hospital wig library will enable community members to access a range of wigs and styles at their doorstep, free of change. 

“The wig library will be run by appointment only, ensuring each person has the time and privacy needed to have the right wig fitted for them. 

“The library will also offer head turbans free of charge and head scarves. 

“The patient can borrow the wig for as long as they need and return it when finished. The wig then gets sent off to be sterilised and washed for the next patient.” 

Shanya said the wig library will be provide a welcoming, kind environment where patients can feel confident accessing head wear without the added stress of travel and cost. 

The wig library will be available to all cancer patients in the Bendigo region every Wednesday from 13 November by calling 03 5434 3160 or email [email protected].