Use of Aromatherapy and Aroma Sticks - Willen Hospice

Willen Hospice is situated in Milton Keynes and provides specialist care for adults with life-threatening illness. The services provided include; In-Patient Unit, Day Hospice, Community Care Team, Social Care and Lymphoedema Clinic.The Day Hospice operates 3 days a week, on these days patients are offered a range of complementary therapies. We have used lavender and chamomile oils to relieve anxiety and patients have reported that this helped them. Another useful oil is ginger which when put into the aroma stick, is beneficial to manage episodes of nausea. Our community team have also used the aroma sticks and found them to be effective. Melody Hornblow, Activity Co-ordinator, Day Hospice.

Aromatherapy is also used within the in-patient unit and the nursing team are able to formulate individual blends of oils to meet the patient's need, which depends on their psychological and physical requirements. A blend of oils used in the aroma sticks is formulated following consultation with the patient. The aroma sticks can also be used between treatments such as chemo and patients often take the aroma stick home when they are discharged. We always stress that the aroma sticks are used to complement conventional medication and should not be used to replace medication. Our patients have certainly found benefit since the introduction of this complementary therapy. Badria Gates, Nursing Auxiliary, In-Patient Unit.

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