Complementary Therapies

Aroma Sticks

We’re delighted to have rolled out the latest Complementary Therapies scent-sation throughout the wards! Bespoke scent inhalers give patients the opportunity to create a stick specifically tailored to their needs. Working with the olfactory and limbic systems, aroma sticks can affect a range of symptoms, including mood, heart rate, breathing issues and memory. Each member of the ward nursing team has also been given an aroma stick, allowing them to experience the benefits of aromatherapy and understand the potential benefits to patients.

Welcome back Carlo!

In February, we were delighted to welcome back Carlo to our Complementary Therapies team as a volunteer therapist! Carlo recently passed a 28-hour placement from Edinburgh College where he offered massage therapy to carers, as well as observing patient sessions to further his knowledge. One former physio even commented that their massage from Carlo was the best they’d ever had!

We look forward to helping Carlo continue his development as a therapist, and continuing to offer his marvellous massages to carers.

Qualifications!

16 www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk There’s yet more good news from the Complementary Therapy team! Our volunteer therapist Alison Hughes successfully completed her clinical practice placement as part of Marie Duggan’s e-learning Cancer Care course in Reflexology. Alison studied the course independently, and completed 20 hours of Reflexology sessions to our patients and carers to become certified. A huge congratulations to Alison, we’re delighted to have you on the team!

New groups! Day Therapies

There have been some exciting developments in our Day Therapies service with the addition of some new groups. Some are especially for former Day Therapy patients and others for anyone who wants to join in. Our first group is a Gentle Movement group, on Wednesdays at 10.30. Taking place in the Day Therapies lounge, with the most beautiful views over the Forth and coffee and a chat afterwards.

The group is tailored to individual need, so come along and give it a try. We also have a walking group on Fridays at 13.30 which is suitable for anyone that would like to take part, with or without a walking aid. We will walk for approximately one mile and friends or relatives are welcome. If you’re not known to the Hospice, simply ring Val or Michelle on 0131 551 7724, to arrange an assessment. Our Friends at the Hub group takes place every second and fourth Thursday of the month. Run by two of our wonderful volunteers, it starts at 9.30 until 11.30. It’s a drop-in session and you can pop along at any point. Have a chat, play dominoes, read the papers or even have a hand massage. It’s what you make it! From October, we will have a group for people experiencing breathlessness. Look out for more details soon.

And again, in October, we will have a Mindfulness group, with Dr. Susie Chater. Contact Day Therapies for details. So, why not try something new? Make friends, get stronger, have fun! We’re waiting for you.