Hi everyone, we hope you are keeping well and safe.
It’s been a while since I last wrote a Blog for GMKIN, and I have been asked to reintroduce the Team and provide a catch up of what we have been doing.
Since the pandemic things have been a little difficult for everyone. We have had to adapt our therapy treatments to keep you safe. We are following government and NICE guidelines and maintaining strict infection control procedures. We can no longer use skin on skin contact, and we must wear gloves, plastic aprons, and facemasks. It’s not ideal but at least we can now come onto the Dialysis units and carry out therapies for you.
The Team cover Salford, Wigan, Bolton, Oldham & Rochdale. Each of the Complimentary Therapists hold a range of qualifications and voluntarily give time to deliver therapies to the units whilst patients are on dialysis.
Not only can this be a lovely treatment, but Complementary Therapies may also aid stress reduction in those who are receiving hemodialysis, and as a result may improve both the dialysis experience and the persons quality of life whilst away from the unit. The physiological therapeutic effects of therapies can help ease muscular or bone pain, reduce the symptoms of irritable legs and help reduce itching and cramps, all of which can be common symptoms.
Therapies have been used in many clinical practices in the past and there is a lot of research and evidence to prove that it works and can be extremely beneficial to the patient. We offer a range of therapies including Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Reiki and more – please ask for details.
We are very caring, patient and understanding, non-judgmental, and easily approachable, as well as being good listeners.
We have recently won 2 awards for our work with patients receiving dialysis. The first one was at “The Complementary Therapy Awards” in which we won a beautiful trophy for the “Pain Management Category”. We were so thrilled to receive this trophy. Then we won a second one in the category of “The Volunteer Team Award” for the “Federation of Holistic Therapist’s Excellence Awards.”
So, if you see me or any of our Volunteer Therapists around any of the 5 Renal Dialysis Units, please feel free to say “Hello!”. (We wear the purple/lilac tunics).
We are so pleased to be back and to keep you updated I will be writing regular blogs. Introducing your therapists to you, updating you on their achievements and qualifications, highlighting which Dialysis Units they are based at and a little about each complementary therapy that is delivered.
Until next time.
See you Soon.
Janet Cairnie and her team.
For a referral, please contact Janet.cairnie@nca.nhs.uk
Phone or txt 07872 417512
