We will care for you in the most holistic way we can
Wherever you are in your diagnosis, our complementary therapy team at Willen Hospice is here to help you in the most holistic way we can. Complementary therapies can be used safely alongside standard healthcare to promote better health with the aim of providing psychological and emotional support.
Here are some of the therapies available if you have been referred by your Willen Hospice health professional.
- Massage
- Aromatherapy
- Reflexology
- Reiki
- Acupunture
- Relaxation or Visualisation
- Indian Head Massage
- Yoga
- Beauty Therapy
All complementary therapists have received recognised training, have appropriate certification and insurance and belong to a recognised governing body. Some are members of the regular nursing team, others are volunteers.
Our complementary therapies are aimed at reducing anxiety and stress, and promoting relaxation, as well as helping to ease symptoms such as pain, nausea and breathlessness. Watch this short example of a yoga class, led by our in-house complementary therapist, Jo Stewart.
What happens during a complementary therapy treatment?
Access to our complementary therapy treatments are dependent on the availability of therapists and are completely free of charge. A full medical history will be requested on your first treatment which enables the therapist to make sure that your chosen complementary therapy is suitable for you. In some instances your doctor’s permission may be needed for certain health issues or medical conditions before treatments can commence. If you would like to find out more about any of these therapies, please visit the NHS website.
Volunteer as a Complementary Therapist
We are currently recruiting for complementary therapy professionals who can give up some of their spare time to make a real difference to our patients. Here is all the information and how to apply.
Clinical placements
At Willen Hospice, in addition to recruiting qualified complementary therapy volunteer therapists to support us in providing treatments to our patients and carers, we also offer clinical placements for qualified complementary therapists. Marie Duggan is a FHT and CThA accredited practitioner and training provider offering Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care CPD E-learning for Massage, Reiki and Reflexology. She recognised that therapists attending her course would welcome the opportunity to gain clinical practice in cancer and palliative care settings. We have partnered with Marie from Butterfly Touch Therapies to offer a clinical practice pathway for therapists who have completed the E-learning courses.
Jo Stewart, our a Complementary Therapy Lead is an approved Butterfly Touch Therapies Massage, Reflexology & Reiki practitioner.
Find out more:
Podcast: Marie Duggan Virtual Congress FHT – International Therapist
Marie discusses complementary therapy in palliative care and the clinical practice pathway
Information on clinical practice and Marie’s work
Physical and emotional wellbeing
Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council
Evidence for Complementary Therapies: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
