Frequently Asked Questions

Pectus excavatum is a condition where the breastbone (sternum) grows inward, creating a sunken or hollow appearance in the chest. It's one of the most common chest wall deformities, affecting roughly 1 in 300 to 400 people, and tends to become most noticeable during puberty. In some cases it can affect breathing and heart function, but for many people the main impact is on confidence and wellbeing, particularly in teenagers and young adults.

A vacuum bell is a non-surgical device used to treat pectus excavatum. It works by using suction to gradually lift the sternum outward over time. It's worn for a prescribed number of hours each day, and treatment typically takes place over months or years depending on the individual. Vacuum bells are most effective in younger patients whose chest wall is still developing, but can be beneficial for adults too. Fiona will be able to advise whether it's likely to be appropriate for you.

No. This is a private service, run independently by Fiona Roy. Fiona works with NHS England and helps support the charity Pectus Matters to improve access to pectus care nationally, but Pectus Care with Fiona is a separate, self-funded service for people who are unable to access treatment through their local NHS trust.

No, you don't need a referral to get in touch. However, Fiona will ask whether you've discussed your diagnosis with a doctor as part of the screening process. If you haven't, she may recommend you do so before proceeding.

Yes, as long as appointments can be conducted in English. Fiona works with clinicians internationally, including in Australia, and vacuum bell devices can be posted abroad — postage costs would apply. If you're based outside the UK, please mention this in your screening form.

Fiona Roy is a HCPC registered orthotist with over 22 years of experience in paediatric orthotics and more than 10 years of specialist pectus work. She is also a clinical educator and works with NHS England and helps support the Pectus Matters charity.

No. Submitting the screening form simply starts a conversation. Fiona will review your details and let you know whether a consultation may be appropriate. There is no charge at this stage, and you are under no obligation to book an appointment or proceed with treatment. You can step away at any point.

If something isn't right, please contact us directly in the first instance — we'd always rather resolve a concern informally and quickly. We aim to acknowledge complaints within 5 working days and provide a full response within 20 working days. If you remain unhappy after raising a concern with us, you can contact the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which regulates Fiona's professional practice, at hcpc-uk.org.

The initial consultation is £50. There is no charge for completing the screening form. Vacuum bell devices are sourced directly from Klobe in Germany, the same manufacturer used within the NHS, with no mark-up added — device pricing will be confirmed before any order is placed.

Follow-up session fees will be confirmed at or before your first appointment. Fiona will discuss what ongoing support is likely to be needed once she has reviewed your case, so you can make an informed decision before committing.

Consultation fees are due before or at the time of your appointment. Device costs are due before an order is placed with Klobe. There is no charge at the screening stage — you will only be asked to pay once you have agreed to proceed.

We currently accept payment by bank transfer. Payment details will be provided when your appointment is confirmed. If you have difficulty with this method, please let us know and we will try to accommodate you.

We ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice may not be eligible for a refund, though we consider each case individually and will try to be flexible where circumstances are unavoidable. If Fiona needs to cancel at short notice, we will offer an alternative appointment or a full refund.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns or offer refunds once a device has been dispatched. Vacuum bell devices are custom-fitted to your clinical measurements and come into direct contact with the skin, which means they fall under the hygiene exemption to standard consumer return rights. If you believe your device is faulty or was not as described, please contact us immediately and we will do everything we can to help.

Yes. Devices are dispatched internationally from Klobe in Germany. Postage costs and delivery times vary by destination and will be confirmed before any order is placed. Any applicable customs or import charges for your country are the responsibility of the recipient.

Usage protocols vary depending on age, severity, and individual response to treatment. Fiona will put together a personalised treatment plan that sets out how long and how often to use the device. Total treatment duration can range from months to years — Fiona will give you a clearer indication at your first appointment once she has reviewed your case in full.

Yes. A significant proportion of people seen by this service are children and teenagers, often with parents or guardians involved throughout. If you're completing a screening form on behalf of a child, there's a section for parent or guardian details. Fiona has over 22 years of experience in paediatric orthotics and is well used to working with young people and their families.

Treatment length varies significantly depending on age, severity and how consistently the vacuum bell is used. Fiona will be able to give you a clearer picture at your first appointment once she's reviewed your case.

Fiona will be upfront with you if she feels this service isn't the right fit. She'll explain why and wherever possible point you towards other options, including Pectus Matters, which offers information and support to people across the UK.

Any information you share with Fiona is handled in accordance with UK GDPR. Health data is treated as special category data and stored securely. It is not shared with third parties except where necessary to provide your treatment. Please see the Privacy Policy for full details.

Records are retained for the period required by Fiona's professional body and indemnity insurer, after which they are securely deleted. The exact retention period will be confirmed in the Privacy Policy once finalised.