Patients in our Community Hospitals are benefiting from a new therapeutic technique, thanks to training funded through GHC Charity.
The M Technique is a gentle-touch therapy to help people relax – particularly patients who are fragile, frail or reaching the end of life.
Health Care Support Workers from around the Trust attended a training session, supported by GHC Charity, and are now putting the technique to good use.
Clare (pictured) is Ward Assistant and Activity Coordinator on Thames Ward, in Cirencester.
She said: “The M Technique is a lovely gentle, calming therapy that is particularly good for patients who are agitated or unsettled. It’s very gentle and soft so works very well on some of our elderly patients, who have more delicate skin. I have already used it on some patients, including a gentleman who has Parkinson’s. I was able to ease his tremors so he could hold his own cutlery to eat his dinner and with another patient I helped them get to sleep more quickly, meaning they could rest and recover better.
“It’s still early days but it’s great to have an extra tool in the tool box for patients who are agitated, upset or distressed. The additional benefit is the human connection. It’s the best course I’ve ever been on and I’m really grateful we’ve had the opportunity to learn a new skill.”
Debbie Williams, End of Life lead within our Nursing, Therapy and Quality team, said: “We are really glad we were able to fund this training for Health Care Support Workers through the charity. As well as being a great new technique to use for patients, it’s helped our HCSWs broaden their skill set. We know they already do amazing work and this is just an additional string to their bow. We hope to be able to fund more training places for HCSWs in the future.”
GHC Charity supports additional initiatives for patients and colleagues, over and above core NHS funding. To read more about the charity and find out how you can support it, visit: GHC Charity > Glos Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
