Fort William women hear of vital skin work

THE TALK at Fort William Scottish Women's Institute's first meeting of 2018 was given by institute member Hazel Smith.

Mrs Smith spoke of her work, some years ago, as a volunteer Red Cross skin camouflage practitioner.

Mrs Smith began her career as a hairdresser and beautician, later expanding into theatrical make up and college lecturing.

When she moved to South East Scotland and was a Red Cross area manager, she was asked if she would be interested in training as one the charity’s volunteer skin camouflage practitioners.

After training, on one of her days off, she set up a monthly clinic in a hospital in East Lothian. There she saw patients with skin disfigurements who had been referred to her by their GPs, consultants or even self-referred.

At the consultation, the best colour match for the patient’s skin tone was found and the patient was taught to apply the special waterproof covering products.

Unfortunately, for patient confidentiality, Mrs Smith was unable to show illustrated examples of the work of these skin specialists.

However, from her descriptions and the reactions of her patients the results of the skilled applications are remarkable.

Mrs Smith gave a clear understanding of this special and vital work. This service, started in 1975, was transferred to the charity Changing Faces in 2011.

Mrs Smith was thanked for her interesting and informative talk by Edythe Knowles.

The next meeting will be on Monday February 5 in the Montrose Centre, Inverlochy, at 7.15pm when Sheena Fraser will talk about her trip to Nepal.