Support

This page brings together information about NHS provision, financial support options, and guidance for anyone navigating pectus excavatum — whether or not you use this service.

NHS Provision

NHS provision for pectus excavatum is inconsistent across the United Kingdom. Some NHS trusts have established pathways for vacuum bell therapy and other treatments; others do not. Whether treatment is available to you often depends on where you live — a situation sometimes described as a postcode lottery.

If you haven't yet explored what may be available through the NHS in your area, it is worth asking your GP for a referral to a specialist or seeking information about your local trust's paediatric or thoracic surgery services.

Pectus Matters is a national charity working to improve access to pectus care across the UK. They provide guidance to help people understand what NHS options may be available in their area and advocate for fairer, more consistent provision. We'd encourage anyone affected by pectus excavatum to get in touch with them.

Financial Support

We understand that the cost of private treatment is a real barrier for many families. Some families have successfully used charitable grants or crowdfunding to help cover the cost of vacuum bell therapy when NHS provision has not been available.

Trees of Hope is a UK charity that supports families in fundraising for medical treatment their child cannot access on the NHS. If your child is under 18 and you are struggling to access NHS treatment, they may be able to help you set up a fundraising campaign and connect you with other sources of support.

Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe have also been used by families in similar situations to raise money for private medical treatment. Many people find that sharing their story generates significant community support.

Buying a Vacuum Bell Device Directly

It is possible to purchase a vacuum bell device independently, without going through this service or an NHS pathway. We understand that cost and access are real barriers, and we are not here to discourage anyone from exploring their options.

However, we would strongly encourage anyone using a vacuum bell — however it was obtained — to seek clinical guidance before and during use. Vacuum bells need to be correctly sized based on your clinical measurements. Using a device that is incorrectly fitted, or using the correct device without proper guidance on technique, duration, and monitoring, can reduce effectiveness and may cause discomfort or injury.

If you have already purchased a device independently and would like clinical support alongside it, please get in touch — we are happy to discuss what options may be available to you.

Pectus Matters

Pectus Matters is a national charity dedicated to raising awareness of pectus conditions and improving access to treatment across the UK. They work directly with NHS England and advocate for people who are struggling to access care through the standard NHS pathway.

Fiona works alongside Pectus Matters and is developing educational video resources in partnership with the charity, so that even those who aren't yet ready for treatment have access to reliable, medically-informed guidance.

Whether or not you are pursuing treatment at this time, Pectus Matters is a valuable source of information, community, and advocacy. We would encourage anyone affected by pectus excavatum to connect with them.