Comedy star Karen Dunbar praises hospital staff after 'losing her voice' to vaping
14.06.2024 - 12:31
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Karen Dunbar has hailed the care she received after experiencing problems with her voice which she believes was caused by vaping.
The Chewin’ the Fat star was referred to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service by her GP about six months ago after becoming concerned about her voice.
After making the decision to stop vaping, Karen, 53, continued to find her vocal cords were irritated, causing her to cough and clear her throat regularly.
She started having appointments with Speech and Language Therapist Rose Livingston at Gartnavel General Hospital in Glasgow, where she was given information and support on taking care of her voice, as well as exercises to help her overcome her issues.
And Karen, who grew up in Ayr and attended Ayr Academy, told how healing her voice was “imperative” as she prepares to continue her ‘An Audience With’ live tour across Scotland.
She said: "I was having problems with my voice after vaping. I stopped vaping but I was still coughing a lot and was continually having to clear my throat. It went on for about a year and it was affecting my voice, which could have ultimately impacted on my job.
"When I started working with Rose, one of the best things about the treatment I received was her manner and the care she showed me. She was aware of the sensitivity and the vulnerability I felt, I was scared because obviously my voice is my job.
"It’s instrumental to what I do. I have 40 live dates ahead of me so it’s imperative that I have my voice."
Karen was invited to speak at an annual celebration of NHSGGC’s SLT service this week, where she gave a speech to staff explaining the positive impact they have had.
During the event at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus,