Surgery to the Head and Neck region has a profound effect on physical facial appearance
and muscle control - making it difficult to swallow and therefore eat and drink, to control dribbling, to pronounce certain sounds or specific words, to be understood instantly,
to hear correctly and to use facial muscles in expression.
Even in today's society there is a social stigma attached to not having a
symetrically balanced face or being able to control facial muscles.
Specialist Nurses are able to assist patients with their multi-faceted needs,
overseeing all aspects of treatment, from diagnosis to recovery.
More can be done in helping patients to come to terms with their traumas
and giving them a chance to live and interact with others with repect and dignity.
Volunteers are needed to support and organise a 'befriending' service
to patients and their carers at pre and post operation stage.
This could be facilitating a forum of exchange by email, as often speech impairment
can be an issue for communicating on the phone. This could also mean organising
informal meetings, facilitating exchange of information or setting up support groups.
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