Head and neck cancer patients in Shropshire will receive further support thanks to an additional grant from the Get A-Head Charitable Trust.
Following an earlier grant this year, the charity has provided a further £446 to purchase six more Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) devices for patients at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust.
The EMST devices help patients maintain their ability to swallow and speak by strengthening muscles in the neck and throat that are often affected by cancer treatment.
These vital rehabilitation tools are not funded by the NHS, making charitable support essential for many patients.
Get A-Head director Danni Heath said: “We’re delighted to be able to extend our support to more patients in Shropshire.
“After seeing the positive impact of our initial funding for an EMST device earlier this year, we knew we had to help more patients access this therapy option.
“These additional six devices will ensure more people suffering from late effects of radiotherapy can benefit from this rehabilitation approach.
“Though each device costs just under £75, the impact on a patient’s quality of life can be immense, potentially preventing the need for tube feeding and helping them maintain the ability to eat, drink and communicate safely.”
Speech therapist Annette Zuydam, who applied for the original grant on behalf of the trust, welcomed the additional funding: “This generous support from Get A-Head means we can now help many more patients recovering from the effects of cancer treatment.
“The eight-week EMST programme has shown significant improvements in swallow safety for our patients, and having more devices available will reduce waiting times and extend this therapy to all who need it.”
The EMST devices exercise and increase the ability of expiratory muscles, which are crucial for breathing out forcefully, coughing, and swallowing.
For patients experiencing scarring of the throat and subsequent swallowing difficulties after radiotherapy, these devices provide a practical rehabilitation solution.
