Portaferry takes on therapy service for cancer patients

Portaferry takes on therapy service for cancer patients

6 November 2013

PORTAFERRY is to be the centre of a new complementary therapy service for cancer patients.

Local patients, who would previously have had to travel to Belfast, can now access the free aromatherapy, massage and reflexology treatments much closer to home.

Aimed at promoting relaxation and well-being during a stressful and physically draining time, the Complementary Therapy Service Outreach Project is an initiative of the Friends of the Cancer Centre charity.

Patsy McDaniel, the charity’s Complementary Therapist Facilitator, will be training local therapists volunteering their time and skill to the project.

“We are delighted to be able to offer cancer patients and their carers in Portaferry, as well as the surrounding area, the chance to avail of a range of complementary therapies right in their own community,” said Patsy.

“The knock on effect that a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have on a person, physically and emotionally, is enormous. We often see people who understandably feel very anxious and stressed, as well as many who have physical symptoms such as pain, insomnia, fatigue and nausea.

“To be able to use complementary therapy to ease these symptoms and help someone through their cancer journey is a real privilege.

“I would encourage people to make an appointment and experience for themselves how beneficial complementary therapy can be. I would also like to say a big thank you to the team at the Portaferry Pharmacy, as if it wasn’t for the generous donation of the pharmacy’s treatment room we wouldn’t be able to offer local people this support. I look forward to facilitating the continued development of the service and enhancing the training of complementary therapists who volunteer to give their skills and time in Portaferry.”

Rosemary Woods, from Portaferry, has availed of the complementary therapy service and testified to its impact.

“I am a huge advocate of complementary therapy and to have this available right here in Portaferry is life changing for me,” she said. “Before I would have to travel all the way to Belfast which was time consuming, very tiring and would ultimately undo the positive effect the therapy was having. Now, however, I’m only a five minute drive away which makes such a difference to how I feel before and after a session.

“For me, complementary therapy gives me the chance to escape both physically and mentally. It’s an hour of bliss where I can stop, switch off, clear my mind and often drift off to sleep in what is a truly calm and peaceful environment.

“I think some people don’t realise or can be slightly dismissive about the effect complementary therapy can have, but I feel it is extremely beneficial and my cancer journey would be a very different and more difficult one without it.

“I am thankful to those who pointed me in the direction of this service, which I think is wonderful, and to know it is also offered to carers of those who are going through the journey of cancer is invaluable.”

Complementary therapies are available between 10am and 4pm every Wednesday in Portaferry and appointments can be made directly through the Portaferry Pharmacy.