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.

Online consultation pricing is coming soon. Vacuum bell device pricing is also coming soon — devices are sourced directly from Klobe in Germany, the same manufacturer used within the NHS, with no third-party mark-up. Postage costs apply for international orders. There is no obligation to purchase a device, and no charge for the initial screening process.

Appointments take place online via Microsoft Teams. You'll need a reasonable internet connection and somewhere private to talk. During the appointment Fiona will review your case, explain what treatment might involve, answer your questions and discuss next steps. If you proceed, she'll put together a written treatment plan for you.

Payment details will be confirmed once Fiona has reviewed your questionnaire and you've agreed to proceed with an appointment. There is no charge at the screening or questionnaire stage.

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.