REMARKABLE new equipment is helping minimise one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment for patients in York Hospital.

A £5,000 cash gift has helped the hospital buy equipment which reduces hair loss, one of the most distressing results of the therapy.

The equipment helps to cool the patient's scalp by circulating a cold liquid into a plastic cap. The result is a reduction of the blood supply to the hair follicles, helping to prevent hair loss.

Patients wear the cap 15 minutes before the chemotherapy treatment, during the treatment itself and for up to two hours after. The majority of patients who have used the system nationally have not needed wigs.

Paul Mayor, manager of the cancer care centre at York Hospital, said: "A patient may have already suffered a major psychological blow following their diagnosis.

"Scalp cooling to prevent hair loss can help reduce the stress already caused by cancer.

"Chemotherapy can be an anxious and tiring experience. It is difficult enough having cancer, but the added complication of hair loss must be devastating.

"The positive benefits of the scalp cooler, preventing the loss of hair and further distress, outweigh the slight discomfort caused by the cold temperature."

A former patient at York Hospital said: "The treatments have been marvellous at York, and the staff have been brilliant.

"I was feeling really low after my fifth treatment and they were very supportive."

Updated: 09:42 Thursday, February 27, 2003