Breast Cancer support this October

This October QEHB Charity is supporting its breast cancer patients.

The Charity’s aim is to continue supporting women who have had surgery for breast cancer by providing them with special bras. The Amoena bra is part of a beautifully feminine collection that aids recovery care and helps to speed up post-surgery healing along with helping towards a woman’s psychological recovery.

The scheme, referred to as ‘Bra first’ runs across QEHB and Birmingham Women’s Hospital and has been funded by donations to QEHB Charity. There are two types of bra in the scheme, one type specially made for patients who have received reconstructive surgery and the other for women who have received either a single or double mastectomy.

The bras for patients who have received reconstructive surgery are different from conventional bras in that they take pressure off the suture lines, helping them to heal. The second type of bra includes a pocket for gel prosthetics, allowing women who have received a mastectomy to have a restored sense of self and confidence.

The team of surgeons behind Bra First acknowledged that they had not been able to provide their patients with special bras following surgery due to concerns over cost.
The Bra First scheme, supported by QEHB Charity, will provide free, specially made bras in the correct sizes for all patients who have had breast cancer surgery. This service will include a visit from a nurse to help with measuring and fitting and a pink velvet bag for the bra to be presented in.

QEHB surgeon, Kate Nelson said: “My colleagues and I in the breast reconstruction team have seen the effect that breast surgery has on patients. We thought it would be a great idea to provide each patient with a properly-fitted bra that will aid their recovery, ease pain and increase self-confidence.

“I am delighted that QEHB Charity is able to fund this initiative, thanks to the generous donations from the Charity’s supporters, patients will benefit from properly fitted bras long into the future.”

Senior Fundraiser at QEHB Charity, Rachel Learmonth, said: “The Charity is delighted to be able to support this wonderful scheme to the benefit of breast cancer patients at the hospital. QEHB Charity’s aim is to go ‘over and above’ for patients and this scheme certainly does this, improving patient welfare and helping to restore a sense of normality to their lives after a traumatic period.”

To donate to our Breast Cancer Appeal, please click here