Complementary therapy in the NHS: service development in a local district general hospital

The Lewisham Hospital Complementary Therapy Centre opened in July 1994 to provide an NHS osteopathy, acupuncture and homoeopathy service to patients referred by general practitioners and hospital consultants. This centre provides a development opportunity for a Nurse Practitioner role which combines clinical and educational responsibilities with research and service development. Funded by the local Health Authority as a pilot scheme, the service attracted over 600 referrals in the first three operational months. Treating conditions such as arthritis, back pain and gynaecological problems, initial evaluation of the service suggests that patients feel the service is beneficial.