PATIENTS with throat cancer in the Five Towns are benefiting from new speech equipment.
Charity the Cancer Laryngectomee Trust has donated two TruTone electrolarynxs – which can help patients create speech – to the Mid Yorkshire Hospital Trust’s laryngectomy support group.
Terry Williamson, a patient from Pontefract, said: “I had my
laryngectomy three years ago and the electrolarynx device has now given me a new lease of life. I can’t thank the Cancer Laryngectomee Trust and the staff who cared for me at Pinderfields enough for that.”
Helen Chadwick, laryngectomy and tracheotomy nurse specialist at the trust, said: “We’re extremely grateful to the Cancer Laryngectomee Trust for this donation which will help Terry and another patient with their speech.
“When the larynx is removed, the air from the lungs passes through an opening in the neck called a stoma. This not only takes away the ability for natural speech but also affects their ability to eat, taste and smell.
“It can be extremely frustrating and distressing for patients who are unable to communicate with others following a laryngectomy and I am sure that this donation will help our patients to regain their self-esteem and confidence once again.”
To find out more about the group, call Helen Chadwick on 01924 213338 or Nina Corfield on 01924 214291.
The full article contains 222 words and appears in Ponte and Cas Express newspaper.
