Complementary therapy
The Complementary Therapy Service was set up by Zoë Neary in 1995. Initially it was funded by an award made by West Midlands Regional Health Authority. It is now funded by the Get A-Head Charity.
The Service was set up with the aim of offering deep relaxation therapies to patients who attend the Head & Neck Unit. The therapies are not seen as an alternative to medical care, they are offered to complement the care.
It is well recognised that many people choose to use complementary therapies in the home and community, however very few therapists have detailed knowledge of head & neck disease and the medical treatments required. With this in mind we felt it was appropriate to provide access to therapies which are given under the supervision of a Clinical Nurse Specialist who has expert knowledge of head & neck disease and is also a qualified complementary therapist.
Our main aim is to provide:
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Access to complementary therapies for patients undergoing treatment for head & neck or oral/maxillofacial cancer.
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Therapists who have a high level of training in their therapy, are on a professional register and maintain their education through regular update and clinical supervision.
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A private, calm and therapeutic environment for treatment to take place.
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A therapy suitable for individual needs.
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Written information on individual therapies.
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Therapies which aid deep relaxation, promote a feeling of well being and assist in symptom control.
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Therapies with the full support and knowledge of the Multidisciplinary Team involved in the patients care.
Therapies currently available include Acupuncture, massage, Reiki and Reflexalogy. These therapies are provided by Darren Rudge and Zoe Neary.
If you are interested in having a course of Complementary Therapy and you are under the care of the Head and Neck Multi Disciplinary team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham please contact your key worker or the Get A-Head office on 0121 697 8371 to discuss.
