Free therapies for local cancer patients

Patsy is based one day a week at the Old Meeting House in Railway Street where she offers treatments, including aromatherapy and reflexology free of charge to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer. She also provides treatments for anyone who cares for someone who is battling the disease. Patsy, who also works at the City Hospital in Belfast, was a health development worker who became involved in complementary therapies after discovering their many benefits. “At that time I was working with Cancer Lifeline and that is why I became involved in working with people who have cancer,” she explained. “A post came up in the hospital with the aim of getting complementary therapies into the community for cancer patients and their carers.” The service started in March and has been proving popular. Patsy currently works in Lisburn on a Monday but is hoping to extend the service to other days as it develops. Patients and carers can get four sessions of treatments free of charge and they can choose between reflexology, aromatherapy and massage. At the end of the four sessions, if there is space available, it may be possible to continue with the treatments. People can be referred to the service by their GP, health visitor, Social Services or simply by word of mouth. “At the first appointment I explain what the therapies are and how they can be of benefit,” continued Patsy. “I also teach them how to relax and after four treatments they can use those skills on themselves.” Patsy is also currently recruiting and training other complementary therapists to work with cancer patients and carers so that the service can reach even more people in the Lisburn area. “The feedback has been fantastic so far,” she said. “People are really appreciating not having to travel to Belfast. It is much easier to access.” The service is being supported by the Friends of the Cancer Centre after a donor left a large amount of money and wanted to set up a service locally for people. The service is managed by the Belfast Health Trust. As a result, there is no charge for the treatments and Patsy is encouraging anyone who is interested in finding out more about the options to contact her on 07702 034 147.