Imelda McGucken Centre Director Charis Integrated Cancer Care Information Evening Wednesday 19 th September 2014 Living with a Brain Tumour 1
Imelda McGucken, Centre Director, Charis Integrated Cancer Care Integrated Cancer Care responding to the needs of people at the time of cancer. The Inspiration that has created 2
Charis is a complementary Cancer Care Centre overlooking Lough Fea, 7 miles outside Cookstown. It has a homely atmosphere (soft music, candles, chair recliners throughout) and with no clinical reminders in sight. 3
Mission Statement To provide person-centred care for those whose lives are affected by cancer from diagnosis onwards. The service will be delivered through an individualised, integrated, and free of charge programme, providing complementary therapies and psychological support. At all times the service will seek to work collaboratively with mainstream healthcare and other partners in care. Charis and other Organisations Member of NICAN the Northern Ireland Cancer Network team, supporting groups of health professionals, patients and charities working together across Northern Ireland to improve cancer care and survival. 4
Charis and other organisations In may 2012 Charis was awarded a level 5 Macmillan Quality Environment Mark and now displays the logo. Possible reasons for Complementary Therapy referral To promote relaxation (Grealish, 2002) To alleviate anxiety (Hills & Taylor, 2001) To reduce depression (Grealish et al, 2002) To reduce nausea (Grealish et al, 2002) To alleviate symptoms (Hodgson, 2000) To alleviate side effects of chemo (for reflexology: Hills & Taylor, 2001) To improve sleep pattern (Hills & Taylor, 2001) 5
Possible reasons for Complementary Therapy referral To reduce stress and tension (Micozzi, 1996) To reduce psychological distress/provide emotional support (Hodgson, 2000) To improve well-being and quality of life (Billhult & Dahlberg, 2001) To live with an altered body image (Van der Riet, 1999) Clients at Charis Receive a full, lengthy assessment Following this a consent is requested from the client s GP - Charis client but GP s patient - GP has full patient history including any contraindications 6
Service Pathway Programme Each client has 6 sessions free of charge which can include Body Therapies; Reflexology Aromatherapy Counselling Massage Additional Free Sessions can include; Dietary advice and Eatsmart groups Relaxation classes Benefits advice Yoga Professional hairdresser Wig fittings Each session has been funded to last for 1 hour. Locality We invite clients from all over Northern Ireland and for those unable to travel due to deterioration in their condition we can carry out home assessment and therapies. These services are carried out in the Magherafelt and Cookstown District Council localities. 7
Access to Services Eligibility: Any person over the age of 18 years diagnosed with cancer Next of kin of those diagnosed Any adult with a child with cancer Any family member bereaved by cancer. Referrals Self referral, by telephoning to make an appointment for assessment Referrals are also received from Healthcare Professionals including Oncology Teams. We are currently receiving referrals from GPs, Nurses, Hospice Nurses, Breast Care Nurses and from the neuro-oncology team Referrals from other Cancer Support Groups and Networks Other Caring agencies 8
In the words of a client. Charis is an inspirational Centre with wonderful, caring staff. It reminds me of the ideal vocational model of the NHS, not a business model. I would encourage people with a diagnosis of cancer to avail of the services provided by Charis. The individual is the one afforded 100% attention which keeps the spirit as much as the physical well-being and promotes a positive attitude. Dietitian Nutritional advice Eatsmart courses Recipe cards Advice leaflets, e.g. sore mouth, lack of appetite 9
Opening Hours Monday Friday 9am 5pm Integrated Cancer Care responding to the needs of people at the time of cancer. 10