Our Wellbeing team's aim is to help patients manage the following symptoms, Anxiety / Stress/ Agitation, Depression / Low Mood, Breathlessness, Pain, Constipation, Nausea, Fatigue, Insomnia.
Following an assessment, patients may be offered Massage Therapy (also for carers), Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki (also for carers), Guided Relaxation and Mindfulness, Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing, Psychological/Emotional Support.
We aim to support patients physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually, with a focus of offering a space with no agenda and supporting emotional distress and management of physical symptoms. We listen, giving the patient a chance to tell their story with no solutions or judgement and provide companionship during the sessions, as we embody the need for kindness and compassion in difficult times. We provide advice to avoid or help deal with stress and promote self-care where possible. We aim to enhance patient’s sense of control and give back their power.
Our Wellbeing team see patients in all our care settings, including the In-Patient Centre, Patient and Family Services and ERS on either a 1:1 or group setting, as well as seeing patients in the community. We provide a 5 day a week service Monday through to Friday.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses art materials instead of only talking. Art therapists have specialist training and are regulated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Art therapy can provide therapeutic emotional support for those with illness / treatment, bereavement, trauma, & mental health needs. It is about the process and not the product; expressing yourself and communicating in a visual form, using artmaking, symbolism and metaphors. Art therapy provides a variety of materials to enable self-expression for self-discovery and healing.
You can be referred through any member of the St Luke’s team and can access Art Therapy either on the ward or as an outpatient. Once referred, you will be invited to have a friendly initial chat with your art therapist to decide whether art therapy is for you and to tailor sessions to suits your needs, wants and wishes for outcomes and goals.
Art Therapy is on the IPC and PAFs (either 1:1 or a set group).