HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
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Healthcare Professionals
Roches are delighted to be able to keep you informed of any changes or developments that happen in our world that affect yours and that of your patients.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to access relevant and accurate information, in a format that you can read and where necessary share with your patients through print or email.
If there are any areas you would like more information on or you have suggestions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact info@roches.ie or call 01 525 2198.
If you would like us to contact one of your patients for a hospital visit or a query of any sort, please complete the form below.
Your GENERAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
We don’t ever let a person go without a wig or prosthesis due to finance or HSE delays. There is always a way. Below are a few of our options …
We give out hair loss and mastectomy products once patients have a valid medical card. We do not require patients to wait the 2-9 months untill the HSE pay us.
Payment plans: we are happy to offer payment plans over a 6 month period to private patients or those medical card holders paying a balance.
We offer discounts for those struggling financially and do our best to source less expensive options for them.
We link in with the Marie Keating Comfort Fund, Various Hospital Social Work Departments, Irish Cancer Society, local Cancer Support Groups and The Little Princess Trust for children. We also have our very own Hardship Fund at Roches to support those struggling financially.
We regularly advocate to the HSE offices on behalf of individual patients and in general
When patients cannot come to Kimmage, we can fit them in Hospital or at Home where possible.
In order to do a good fitting off site, we require photos of the patients hair and a good detailed description of their hair.
Patients can fill in this Patient outcall form which can be emailed back to us or fill in this patient contact form and we will ring the patient directly ourselves and arrange a suitable time to visit.
Patient Outcall Request >
Patient Contact Form >
Our Kimmage clinic is where we hold all our stock and product ranges and hold appointments. We have private fitting rooms and 2-3 advisers available so it’s definitely worth the trip.
We are more than happy to email detailed directions and parking options if needed.We operate by appointment only.
Call 01 4926829 or email info@roches to book.
Your HAIR LOSS QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Download printable version here >>
Allowances vary across the Country from €440-€767. We can advise patients on their exact allowances. Every patient with a valid medical card is entitled to their particular allowance every 12 months.
The patient needs:
1. A valid medical card number and expiry date.
2. A letter or prescription stating that the patient is experiencing medical hair loss and requires a wig or hair piece. This letter must be written on a prescription pad or headed paper and signed by a medical professional. Click here to access prescription template (sample wig script)
The patient needs to bring the above items to their fitting. We then apply to the correct HSE area on their behalf and they leave with their hair replacement option. No balance is required on fibre wigs, but human or heat resistant wigs will require a balance of anything from €50-€350 depending on the length of hair , the wig cap construction chosen and the patient’s HSE allowance.
If a patient cannot afford the balance, we are happy to offer payment plans over a 6 month period.
If a patient is waiting on their medical card, we can hold the wig until their medical card is approved. However, if as often happens, a patient needs the wig before their medical card is approved, then we accept payment for the wig and refund the amount paid once HSE approval is received.
NOTE: We don’t ever let a person go without a wig due to finance or HSE delays. We have our own fund here at Roches for those struggling financially so we always find a way to get the patient their wig when they need it.
A person who is supportive of the patient and who is interested in the patient’s appearance.
It is important to feel comfortable and confident when wearing a wig or mastectomy wear. While we help with this, you can’t beat a friend or spouse commenting that the patient looks exactly like themselves.
We have over 1000 wigs and hairpieces along with lots of hats for hair loss and under-hat-hair,
We start by bringing the patient and their friends/family to our private fitting rooms where we welcome and settle them in. First thing its to find out is when their treatment is starting and what they are looking for. Most patients want to look like themselves so while they are describing their hair and what they do with it, we are also taking a good look at their hair too. We very often match the persons here with the first wig but we always insist on trying on a few more.
While we have wigs on display, we find that most people are quite overwhelmed with the thoughts of losing their hair and have no clue how to select a wig. You cannot choose a wig from a picture or a mannequin, you must try it on your own head. We select wigs based on what they’ve told us during the consultation. We talk them through the pros and cons of each wig in terms of hair type and cap construction but really the wig they feel and look most comfortable usually presents itself. We narrow down options and spend as much time as needed till the patient is sure. Sometimes a wig needs to be ordered. sometimes patients want to bring other family members before making their final decision. sometimes people take photos of the wigs and bring them home to review with friends and families. It’s quite an interactive process.
When the wig is selected, we cut and style it if necessary and explain both how put the wig on correctly and how to care for the wig.
We also discuss options for bed and give some advice on eyebrows. Once the wig is salected, we often discuss what they will do when the hair starts falling and we offer to cut or shave them free of charge. Many take us up on this offer, while others have already made arrangements.
It is a very interactive session and we try to answer any questions and allay their fears. Conversation will often veer to the hair regrowth phase, how long it takes and when can hair be coloured. We discuss allowances and advise if patients are entitled to any funding.
Some people choose not to wear wigs and that is great once it’s based on the patients own experience rather than another persons experience. Wigs are amazing these days and look and feel so natural. There are also many options to make wigs more comfortable to wear.
We recommend that all patients have a free wig consultation so that they can assess the wigs for themselves. No strings attached – our ethos is not to push at all. At least the patient sees their options and knows what’s on offer and make the best decision for them. At the very least, patients will learn about what to expect with hair loss and hair regrowth, as we will cover scalp care during treatment and safe timing and products to use colouring hair after treatment along with options for brows, lashes and nail care in their appointment.
Most patients feel relief after visiting us and get a sense that they can get through this hair loss business with their dignity and confidence intact. So many patients drop in to us for hats and explain they were told wigs are hot or itchy or that other patients didn’t wear their wigs.
Unfortunately these patients may not have been fitted with the right size or type of wig and wig cap, or given the right advice on reducing scalp heat or irritation. There are solutions to all these problems and we’ve seen them all after 30 + years in this industry.… More often than not, patients who come to us convinced that wigs look awful or feel uncomfortable are pleasantly surprised with how good they look and feel.
Under €300: Our affordable range are made from quality Japanes hair fibre with machine wefted bases.
€300-€500: High quality Japanese fibre wigs on a range of bases from machine wefted to hand tied, lace and monofilament. The base construction of the wig and the fibre quality is what determines price difference along with length of hair.
€650-€950: Heat Resistant Fibre: Our favourites: The best of fibre hair and human hair rolled into one beautiful low maintenance wig that behaves and looks like human hair but has a style memory so will bounce back into place when washed. Price includes cutting.
€750-€1500: Human hair with different bases and lengths. Prices include cutting and styling. These wigs look great but do require maintenance
We recommend that all patients who may experience hair loss or thinning come for a free consultation. The consultation allays patients fears about hair loss and they feel secure and relieved knowing that there are many great options available for them should their hair go.
Hair Pieces can be attached over very fine or thinning hair with a hair band or gate clips (or double sided tape depending on extent of hair loss). The piece sits on the head and is not tight or warm, but does conceal limp hair or roots showing through coloured hair. It gives the person a perfect outer cover of hair while allowing them to use the ends of their existing hair
For diffuse thinning hair, a sprinkle of hair fibers or camouflage cream colours the scalp the colour of the patient’s hair. This not only camouflages the colour of the scalp showing through but also creates the illusion of thicker hair.
Although we have over a 1000 wigs in stock at all times, sometimes we may need to order a special or custom made piece. To minimize patient stress, earlier is always better for us to see your patients.
We can also advice them on some eyebrow options which can only be done prior to treatment starting.
Your Breast Care Questions Answered
A Mastectomy Bra has a specially designed pocket in the cup to hold the breast form. We stock a large variety of styles of bras in all shapes and sizes. Our Breast Care Team source our bras from a variety of the best international lingerie specialists to include seam free, front opening, cotton, bamboo, feminine, sexy, comfortable, low line, t-shirt, sports, multi-way, under-wired and non-under-wired that mimic under-wired styles in the shape and support they provide.
For ladies who prefer to use a standard bra, our team at Roches Breast Care are happy to offer a pocketing service.
Medical card holders and private health insurance holders will receive a contribution towards the cost of bras, breast forms and swimwear. Income tax relief is also available through the Med 1 form. Our staff can advise.
Consultations are by appointment with no obligation to purchase.
Approximately 6-8 weeks after your surgery, you are ready to move from the soft shape you received following surgery to a more long term breast form that matches your natural breast perfectly.
We can fit you in our private consultation rooms in Kimmage. We are available for appointments Monday to Friday and can schedule an appointment to suit you best. Our fully trained expert fitters will measure and assist you in choosing breast forms, bras, lingerie and swimwear from our collections. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member along for support.
After surgery we understand that you may feel tender, sensitive or self-conscious. The right bra, fitted by our trained team, will help you feel like yourself again, restoring your femininity and confidence.
Buying a bra that fits well and makes you feel good is an important part of being a woman. A well fitted bra can make all the difference to your appearance, your posture and your clothes.
This is especially true after breast surgery. A bra that fits close to your chest wall between the cups with enough depth of material between the cups to cover the breast form will allow you the confidence to move as much as you want and dress as you did before. Sounds very technical and it is, but that doesn’t mean it needs to look technical. Post Surgery Bras are an engineering feat but thankfully finished by dress designers.
A person who is supportive of the patient and who is interested in the patient’s appearance.
It is important to feel comfortable and confident when wearing a wig or mastectomy wear. While we help with this, you can’t beat a friend or spouse commenting that the patient looks exactly like themselves.
When patients cannot come to Kimmage, we can fit them in Hospital or at Home where possible.
In order to do a good fitting off site, we require photos of the patients hair and a good detailed description of their hair.
Patients can fill in this Patient outcall form which can be emailed back to us or fill in this patient contact form and we will ring the patient directly ourselves and arrange a suitable time to visit.
Patient Outcall Request >
Patient Contact Form >