Broadford Hospital is proud to announce the arrival of a state-of-the-art scalp-cooling system, a vital addition to its cancer care services that will help reduce hair loss for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
This innovative equipment was funded through generous donations to the hospital’s cancer care service via the Highland Health Board Endowment Fund charity (SC016791), the official charity of NHS Highland.
Scalp-cooling therapy helps minimise chemotherapy-induced hair loss — an emotionally distressing side effect for many patients. By lowering the temperature of the scalp, the system reduces blood flow to hair follicles, helping to preserve hair during treatment.
The purchase of this system was made possible by the unwavering support of the Skye community and surrounding areas. Their generous contributions to the local cancer care team have ensured that patients on the island have easier access to innovative treatments that may enhance their enhance their comfort and dignity during what can be a difficult journey.
Barbara MacDonald, Cancer Nurse Specialist at Broadford Hospital, expressed her gratitude for the new system, stating: “Hair loss can be one of the most challenging aspects of cancer treatment for many patients. The introduction of this scalp-cooling system offers a real opportunity to ease some of that burden and provide comfort during a difficult time. We are immensely grateful to the donors whose generosity has made this possible.”
Catherine Myles, Charity Lead Officer, also highlighted the impact of community support, saying: "Every donation received by the charity makes a real difference to the services we can support NHS Highland to offer. The generosity of the people of Skye has ensured that funds raised for Skye cancer services are directly benefiting local patients and their families. The charity has been able to support the purchase of scalp-cooling systems at our other main hospitals across the Highlands and Argyll and Bute, so it’s terrific to see this technology now available on Skye."
About the Highland Health Board Endowment Funds Charity
As the official charity of NHS Highland, the Highland Health Board Endowment Fund charity (SC016791) is privileged to support and enhance the vital work delivered by the NHS.
Ranging from simple improvements and amenities to truly transformational innovations, their aim is to enrich the journey of our population from infancy to end of life. The charity’s work is made possible through the generous support of donors, enabling it to fund initiatives that enhance patient care and community health.