A CHARITY has issued an urgent appeal for complementary therapists to help treat terminally ill patients in South Bucks.

The Buckinghamshire-based Iain Rennie Hospice at Home (IRHH) has an 'acute shortage' of voluntary practitioners.

Jackie Finegan, therapy co-ordinator, said: “Complementary therapies, such as reflexology, massage, craniosacral therapy and reiki, can make a huge difference to seriously ill patients, and their carers.

“For cancer patients, for example, it is a chance to have something pleasant, to relax and take time out from the stresses of their illness. We offer the therapies in the patient’s own home, in the same way as our nursing services, so they don’t have to go anywhere.”

She said with a growing patient caseload, IRHH nurses now have to concentrate all their time on their clinical work, rather than complementary therapies.

Jackie added: “The demand is growing all the time, and we badly need volunteers experienced in reflexology, massage therapy, aromatherapy and craniosacral therapy.

“We usually ask volunteers to commit to one half day a week, which enables them to visit two patients. I go with them on the first visit, and we offer a course of six treatments to patients and carers.

“In return for their commitment, we also help our volunteers to keep up their continuing professional development, a requirement for all practitioners, for example by offering them the chance to attend workshops.”

There is also a shortage of therapists in the Wycombe district. Volunteers should have an anatomy and physiology qualification and one year’s post-qualification experience. For more details contact the voluntary services team on 01494 877200 or rahmad@irhh.org