STAFF at Hexham oncology day unit have received a donation of £4,250 from regional blood cancer charity Bright Red to help with the on-going costs of the unit’s complementary therapy team.

Complementary therapy covers a wide range of practices used alongside conventional treatments for illnesses including cancer.

They can help some people cope with the symptoms of disease and its treatment, aid relaxation, and reduce tension and anxiety.

All patients undergoing chemotherapy in the oncology unit are currently offered access to the service, either whilst having chemotherapy or in a separate appointment, depending on what they feel would suit them best.

Between 300 and 400 cancer patients a year benefit from the treatments within Hexham Hospital. Treatments include, Reiki, massage and reflexology, amongst others.

The unit still needs a further £4,250 to pay for the service for the full year.

Oncology day unit manager Fiona Holdsworth said “The complementary therapy team is a desperately important service. Bright Red has kindly agreed to fund half of the service, covering treatment for our haematology patients, but we still need to find funding for our oncology patients.

“It adds a great quality to patient’s care, and helps relieve pain and anxiety. It’s a service we are very proud of, and are fiercely protective of.”