Complementary therapy

The complementary therapy service for patients was started by Keith Hunt MBE at the Royal Free Hospital in 1992, as a voluntary massage service for referred cancer patients. Keith has expanded the service considerably and is the full-time paid complementary therapies co-ordinator. He leads a team of qualified therapists which includes permanent staff and volunteers.  The Complementary Therapy department is part of the Royal Free Charity.

In 2017/18, the team visited 34,780 patients and Trust staff  - the youngest patient being 5 years old and the eldest 101; a clear indication of the extraordinary wide-ranging appeal of complementary therapy. 

In-patients with any medical condition can be considered for treatment by their multi-disciplinary team providing they have a referral. Patients are given a gentle 15-minute massage in the comfort of their own bed or bedside chair.

Out-patients undergoing chemotherapy, infusions and radiotherapy can also enjoy treatments by appointment. Radiotherapy patients require a referral before an appointment can be made.

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Referral details

In-patients: The patients we treat must be referred to us by their medical / nursing / physiotherapy team. Just let them know that you'd like to be added to our patient list. Once we've received the referral form, we should be able to see you within 24 hours (Monday-Friday).
Chemotherapy out-patients: please let your nurse know, when you arrive, that you would like a massage.
Radiotherapy out-patients: please mention us to your radiotherapy review specialist who will send us referral details.