Palliative Care

[That Other Dude]

I know many of you probably have experience in this area and I would like to pick your brains. I would like to use my therapies to offer support
in palliative care, on a voluntary basis is fine, but I have had no luck with the local hospital. Although I know the oncology unit have a complementary therapy team/support group, every time I enquire I hit a brick wall. Should I contact the hospices directly or is there another way of approaching this.

Any tips would be a great help.

 

[K M]

Hi Angelfish
What part of the country are you from?

I have recently experienced this also ..... unfortunalely in the hospitals over here in NI most of the therapists are already trained nurses working in the hospitails!!.......so i didnt stand a chance.

There is a lady in belfast that offers training course for reflexologists for use with Reflexology/massage in Pallative care setings....quite intense 1 and 2 day courses (quite expensive also)............I havent tried them yet because of finances, but i think hospitals in northern Ireland require so many years experience as a therapist before working on cancer patients.....

Maby doig a pallitive care course in which ever therapy you are trained in might stand you in better stead

Good luck

 

[nykkibabyyy]

Hi,

In Scotland I contacted a hospice after I heard they offer therapies, I made contact by phone and was invited to come and see them.They offer Reiki, Refloxology, Indian Head massage and aromatherapy for clients and their families for free. Therapist volunteer for 3 months and then they get paid for the treatments given. They have split the day into 2 parts and so they might have a reflexologist doing 3 treatments in the mornings and another therapist doingReiki for 3 patiens in the afternoon.

I would suggest you try some hospices (or even care homes)but even if you volunteer, be prepared for quite a lengthy interview. I was interviewed by the head nurse for more than an hour and after that spent more time with the head of the volunteers. I think they have to be very sure of who you are, how you think etc. as you will be working with such vunerable people. Also make sure you take all your certificates and insurance certificate with you.

Good luck,

Jo

 

[dczezjsz]

If you're in or around London, have you tried the Complementary Health Trust?