We are delighted to have received a grant award of £1000 from the High Sheriff's Fund which is part of the Worcestershire Community Foundation's range of funds.
The grant, awarded by last year's incumbent Ian Smith, will be used to fund complementary therapies for four patients. Each patient can access £250 of funding from the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven charity for complementary therapies (when referred by their breast cancer nurse). We know from patient feedback that these therapies can have a significant impact on their quality of life, following brutal treatment for breast cancer.
Specialist breast care nurses arrange clinical referrals for patients struggling with debilitating treatment side-effects, who would benefit from the extra support that complementary therapies can offer.
WBUH began delivering access to complementary therapies in 2022, with the service seeing rapid growth over the last few years. It is now the largest regular expenditure for our charity as it is so important and impactful.
Our colleague Corinna, who leads on every aspect of this, has rigorously selected complementary therapy practitioners who are appropriately qualified, registered and insured to provide the recommended therapy to support patients with their specific clinical issues e.g. lymphoedema management, scar therapy, oncology massage.
Feedback we obtain from patients tells us that access to complementary therapy can transform their recovery, improving their physical and emotional health by reducing the side effects of treatment – ultimately helping a patient to feel stronger and take back control of their wellbeing.
Presentation by the High Sheriff Ian Smith to the lovely Beata
