Patients enjoy benefits of massageAs part of its expansion plans, the Royal Free Charity is now offering complementary therapy massage at BH. The service provides treatment that reduces pain and anxiety, helping patients to cope with their illness and being in hospital.  

The service was officially launched on 15 April with Keith Hunt MBE, complementary therapies co-ordinator and Debbie Sanders, director of nursing showing their support.

Keith Hunt MBE and his team give more than 25,000 massages annually to patients at the RFH, and are looking forward to extending the service to BH patients.

Keith explains: “At Barnet we will be starting with oncology and haematology (Mulberry ward and the chemo suite) to give in-patients and out-patients some very gentle massage. Our work is focused on us being a treat not the treatment, and looking after the person behind the disease whilst the doctors and nurses are tackling the disease or illness.”

Alison Kira, development manager for the Royal Free Charity, said: “We are really proud to be providing this new and important free service to patients of BH. The feedback from the individuals at the RFH has been that this a real help to patients during their treatments.”

If you would like to refer a patient for treatment please contact Keith Hunt at keithhunt@nhs.net.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Media contacts: rf.mediaenquiries@nhs.net or call 020 7317 7740

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London, building a bigger trust and a better future.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.