Groves Hospital oncology patients here will have the choice to receive a new therapeutic touch treatment that is offered by Hospice Wellington volunteers and which is available at the hospital starting next week.
Groves is partnering with Hospice Wellington to provide the free service for oncology patients.
“Therapeutic touch is considered a complimentary form of therapy utilizing near touch to support and stimulate the body’s own healing processes,” stated Diane Wilkinson, vice president of Clinical Services and the Chief Nursing Executive for Groves. “Therapeutic touch can help calm anxiety and alleviate fear in patients.”
Executive Director of Hospice Wellington Rosslyn Bentley explained, “Specially trained volunteers will assist in the oncology unit by providing therapeutic touch treatment to patients receiving chemotherapy. Volunteers are carefully screened and trained by Hospice Wellington staff and are able to offer the therapy to patients either before, during or after their chemotherapy treatment.”
The new service is offered Tuesday and Thursday, from 9am to 10am.
“We are thrilled to bring this service to Centre Wellington,” said Sheriann Bergstrom, Volunteer Coordinator with Hospice Wellington. “This service has been a big hit in Guelph General Hospital and we expect it will be popular at Groves.”
Groves employs over 250 highly skilled staff and with over 300 dedicated volunteers supporting the organization in a variety of ways. GMCH provides care for over 300 births per year.
Hospice Wellington’s volunteer supported programs and services provide information and care to people facing implications of a life-threatening illness.
Specific support groups are also offered for people facing a life-threatening illness. For more information, call Hospice Wellington at 519-836-3921.
