Just do it! NHS Certificate in Complementary Therapy (Cancer Pathway) With the aim of gaining practical experience as a complementary therapist in a cancer-care setting, I found my way to the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre in Harrogate where the first NHS Natural Therapy School is based, for the 12 week program leading to the NHS Certificate in Complementary Therapy (Cancer Pathway). This program offered an unique opportunity to learn and work within a professional, supportive and caring team, to NHS standards, while helping people during their cancer treatments, their carers, and patients on wards in the main hospital, through the power of touch – in my case, aromatherapy massage. The required medical and professional standards were obviously very high, and I was a bit daunted at first. There was a lot to learn about professional standards in the NHS, about the many forms of cancer and how these impact on people and how to tailor treatments to individual circumstances and the constraints of being on a hospital ward. However, as experiences go, this was probably one of the most rewarding professional and human experiences I have had, if not the most. Underpinning this was the expert and ongoing coaching and guidance from Gwyn Featonby, who leads the program, and support from Beverly Harrison and the wider team, which was invaluable. “Light touch” but the right touch. Also, the chance to work with and learn from fellow therapists was an added bonus. Through evidence-based practice, it was satisfying to see positive results for patients. Being accepted by medical professionals as part of the wider team supporting patients was amazing. So, if I have any advice for anyone considering embarking on this journey, it would be to “just do it”!
Fundraising
The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre (SROMC) Complementary Therapy Service is only possible due to the fundraising and charitable donations it receives. All profits generated from the activities of the Natural Health School are also used to provide free care for patients within the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre.
The SROMC Complementary Therapy Fund is part of the Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity, (Registered Charity Number 1050008).
Your support will help us do more for patients. There are many ways that you can get involved in fundraising for Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity. Whether you belong to a community group, are a business or want to take part in a fundraising event; the Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity fundraising team can provide you with fundraising materials, ideas, publicity and information about appeals to support.
To find out more contact;
Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity https://www.hdft.nhs.uk/hhcc/
Telephone: 01423 557408 or Email: HHCC@hdft.nhs.uk