A former patient's idea to improve comfort during chemotherapy is now helping hundreds of people at St Helens Hospital after a conversation with the Trust's Chief Executive turned that idea into reality.
Amy Burke created the Cold Cap Comforter after recognising an opportunity to improve the experience for patients using cold caps during chemotherapy. Cold caps are used by some patients to help reduce hair loss during treatment. Determined to make the experience easier for others, Amy worked with the innovation team at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre to develop a soft fabric comforter that sits between the cold cap and the skin, helping to improve comfort throughout treatment.
When Amy met Rob Cooper, Chief Executive of Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, during one of his regular walkabouts, she shared her experience and her vision of making chemotherapy more comfortable for other patients. Inspired by her determination to turn a difficult personal experience into something positive, Rob immediately recognised the potential of the idea.
Following that conversation, he asked teams across the Trust to explore how Amy's idea could be rolled out more widely. Working with colleagues at the Lilac Centre and supported by funding from MWL NHS Charity, the concept quickly moved from conversation to implementation. Today, more than 500 Cold Cap Comforters have been purchased at a cost of around £4,000 and are available to patients receiving treatment at the Lilac Centre.
Amy recently returned to the Lilac Centre to see the comforters in use, meet staff and hear directly from patients about the difference they are making. The visit also marked the first time she and Rob had seen each other since their original conversation, giving them the opportunity to reflect on how one idea has grown into a project that is benefiting hundreds of people undergoing cancer treatment.
Amy Burke said: "Having been through chemotherapy myself, I wanted to find a way to improve the experience for patients using cold caps. The idea for the Cold Cap Comforter came from that desire to help others.
"I never imagined that something inspired by my own experience would go on to help so many patients. I'm incredibly proud to see the comforters being used at the Lilac Centre and grateful to everyone who helped make the idea a reality."
Rob Cooper said: "When Amy shared her idea with me, it really resonated on a personal level. My own mum had cancer and wasn't able to wear a cold cap during her treatment, so I could immediately see how something as simple as this comforter could make a real difference for patients.
"Amy's idea is a fantastic example of how patients can help us improve our services. We listened, worked together and made it happen, and today hundreds of patients are benefiting as a result."
To hear more about Amy's journey and the impact the comforter is already having, watch our video here: https://shorter.is/amrbV
