“I began as a volunteer complementary therapist 2 years ago and then applied for a role as a staff member when the opportunity came up. I felt I wanted to continue to use my skills at the Hospice to make a positive impact on people’s lives and see the instant results that relaxation can provide a person, taking them away from their worries for a while, reducing tension and alleviating feelings of anxiety.

To me, Hospice Care is an environment where people can come and feel nurtured and cared for. Patients like to feel relaxed and safe and complementary therapy can work well alongside the clinical needs of a patient. Therapies using touch like reflexology and massage, accompanied with soothing music and aromatic scents help to create that feeling of calm in a safe space.

Our therapy isn’t just for patients on the ward, we also offer therapies to outpatients who can come into the Hospice. Complementary therapies are also available to carers and loved ones to relieve their own worries or pains.

We have a wide range of therapies as we understand that everyone is different. For example, those who don’t like to be touched can try hypnotherapy. We have a guide to help you understand the different choices and we can sit down and talk you through them to make sure you feel comfortable that it’s the best treatment for you.

I work closely with the Physio team and as part of the Rehab team so that those receiving our care feel comfortable. Together, we want to help as many people as we can.

To someone who is looking at trying out complementary therapy, I’d say go for it as it can really make a difference – we rarely have someone who cannot find a form that they like. “