Wendy Pearce who is a member of our Complementary Therapy Team

Wendy is one of a team of three complementary therapists at St John’s Hospice.

They currently provide massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and Indian head massage to both patients and their family members while they are being supported at the Hospice.

The Hospice is a very caring environment, where people genuinely do their best to look after everyone in their care. It’s not a sad place at all – it’s a warm, friendly place to come to.

The team aims to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support, so knowing I’ve helped a person to feel calmer and more relaxed, or eased any anxieties is very rewarding.

It’s a privilege to be part of such a special team and be part of a journey to support in providing patients with a better quality of life. Patients are always very grateful for their therapies, and a true sign that they are fully relaxed is when they fall asleep during the therapy session.

It’s lovely to also be able to offer our support to their family members too, it helps relieve their anxieties and offers precious moments to look after their own emotional and physical wellbeing, knowing their loved one is being well cared for by the Hospice Team.

We complete a ward round every morning to introduce ourselves to any new patients, explain what we can offer and how it benefits people in our care.

We have dedicated therapy rooms but can also provide our therapies in a patient’s own room if that’s what they prefer.

Complementary Therapist Wendy Pearce said: “Every member of staff at St John’s Hospice cares about the wellbeing of our patients, families, and each other. After over 28 years of practice and teaching, it’s very rewarding to be giving something back and making such a real difference to people in our local community.”