Complementary therapies at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre
The popular complementary therapy service that is such an integral part of the LJMC initially started as a volunteer-led service on the wards of Mount Vernon Hospital. Marianne Hill has been working as a reflexologist here for eight years and told ‘Open Door’ a little about her work.
How did you come to work here?
I’d been working part-time as a reflexologist for a number of years and attended a training course at the LJMC to learn about working with cancer patients. When I retired from my job as a secretary at Safeway, I had more time to spare so I became a volunteer working half a day each week at the hospital.
What other therapies are offered?
As well as reflexology, there are aromatherapists on the team and we can also offer massage and Indian head massage.
What are the benefits for patients?
The main benefit is to aid relaxation. Many patients will fall asleep while I’m treating them and the therapy may also help them sleep better generally. We don’t treat specific symptoms but touch therapies can help relieve psychological distress and may also alleviate stress-related symptoms.
How does the way you work change when you are treating a patient on the ward?
There are a number of things that I need to consider and of which I need to be aware. I will ask a patient about their treatment and any side-effects they are experiencing. I’ll also give a lighter, gentler treatment than I would for a fully healthy person. Treatments are also short, usually 20-30 minutes.
Do patients have to book a therapy?
When I arrive at the LJMC, there’s often a list of patients to be seen. Sometimes patients have asked for me to see them, alternatively one of the nurses on the ward may have suggested a therapy and asked on their behalf. If there isn’t a list, I’ll go to one of the wards and see if anyone would like a therapy – someone always says ‘yes’!
Do all patients want a therapy?
Sometimes patients are doubtful about having a therapy – usually the men! The other day I treated a man who was very sceptical until a nurse reminded him that he had been having trouble sleeping and suggested that reflexology might help.
He was quite a convert by the end. Sometimes, visiting wives may also persuade their husbands to give it a try. Most people are receptive and very grateful to be offered a therapy.
Who else do you see?
I also visit the waiting areas such as in the Chemotherapy department. For example, if a patient is stressed about being canulated (having a drip inserted), it actually constricts the blood flow and makes it harder. If I help reduce their anxiety then it’s a much easier procedure for the nurse and consequently for the patient.
I have also seen head and neck cancer patients prior to the radiographers making an immobilisation shell for them – another potentially stressful experience. By relaxing them and showing them points on the hand to press, they feel more in control. It also gives them something to do which takes their mind off what else is going on.
What does a therapy cost?
As with all the complementary therapy services at the LJMC, there is no charge to patients. The entire service is funded by charitable donations so most patients try to give us a donation if they are able.
What happens when a patient leaves the hospital?
Patients under a Mount Vernon Cancer Centre oncologist are eligible for up to four sessions at the LJMC itself so I always make sure they know how to book for this service. There’s also a list of qualified therapists in the catchment area which may be more convenient.
What has surprised you about your work?
Working here has always been a pleasure for me. One of the biggest surprises, however, was when a doctor popped in one day, realised I was there and, without a pause, said to the patient, “I can see you’re busy. I’ll come back later.” For complementary therapies to be considered integral to the holistic treatment of a patient is very special – it’s not a frivolous ‘extra’.
How does someone go about joining the team?
All the therapists undergo a comprehensive training course at the LJMC. As well as learning about cancer and its treatments, they also learn how to adapt their therapies. Then they will shadow a more experienced therapist until they feel confident. There is also an ongoing programme of training sessions which provides opportunities to share experiences and provide mutual support. It’s a huge privilege to work here and I’d recommend it – if you’re thinking about volunteering, do it!
Last updated: 22 March, 2011
