We are delighted to welcome Ana Angarita – Our new Complementary Therapist Lead at St Raphael’s. Born in Venezuela and trained in London, Brussels and Zurich, Ana’s passion for physical and mental wellbeing has led this former Journalist into a career in wellness. With extensive experience in the clinical and healthcare sectors, Ana has worked at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Guy’s & St Thomas’ and The Royal Marsden.

“As a community-focused individual, I try to help build my community where I can. I personally feel that contributing, no matter how small, is significant. I find my role as a Complementary Therapist at the Hospice enormously fulfilling, helping patients through supportive therapy to improve their quality of life. I have lived in the local area of St Raphael’s for years and it is certainly a comfort knowing that they are my local Hospice should I ever need them. To be a part of this special charity, and the exceptional care they provide, is very rewarding.”

A bit more about Complementary Therapy at St Raphael’s

Our Hospice offers a range of Complementary Therapies at no cost to our patients, those close to them, as well as their carers. These therapies can help with pain relief, muscle stiffness, breathlessness, anxiety, nausea, fatigue, quality of sleep, improve one’s energy, to name but a few. Treatments are tailored to each patient and follow a consultation at the start of each session. As part of a holistic approach to treatment, therapies can include gentle Massage, Clinical Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology and Reiki – helping to ease the effects of life-limiting illness. Sessions are held in a tranquil treatment room at our onsite Wellbeing Centre, as well as provided to our inpatients at their bedside if required.

Ana shares a wonderful aspect of Complementary Therapy

 “A wonderful aspect of Complementary Therapy is that patients can feel in control of their treatment. With the various challenges faced through living with life-limiting illness, patients and their loved ones have their autonomy during our sessions. Being able to do something positive for their wellbeing, outside of a medical environment, is important on many levels. We provide a safe and welcoming space where they can feel like themselves.”

For more information on the available treatments, please visit our Complementary Therapy page.

Complementary treatments are available by appointment only. For bookings or any queries, kindly contact us on 020 8099 1722. The lines are open from Tuesday to Thursday 9am – 5pm. Answerphone available outside of these hours.

It costs the Hospice £45 per treatment for a patient to receive one Complementary Therapy, free of charge. If you would like to donate toward our Complementary Therapy service, helping us to continue offering this service to our community, we would be very grateful.

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Thank you for your support and generosity.