Complementary and psychological therapies in a rural hospital setting

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2004) in the UK has led the way in recognising the need for a holistic approach to the support and care of people with cancer, with the publication of Guidance on Cancer Services: Improving Supportive and Palliative Care for Adults with Cancer. This article describes a three-year project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund through Macmillan Cancer Support. The project is being implemented by an art therapist, clinical psychologist, complementary therapist and administrator together with the existing team of three Macmillan nurses, an art therapist and two Macmillan occupational therapists. The project aims to provide a service to patients, carers and to the health professionals who work with people with cancer and their families. The service is located in a rural and Welsh-speaking area; as such, accessibility of the service and language choice play an important role in the delivery of support and treatments.