Member Article

Macmillan nurses praise North East spa initiative

THE FIRST UK spa to offer a special programme of treatments for cancer sufferers has won the backing of Macmillan Nurses.

The Spa at Ramside at County Durham’s Ramside Hall Hotel, last week (Oct 1) officially launched its affiliation with American-based Wellness For Cancer, the world’s first accredited programme for the spa industry.

And the level of training which has been undertaken by all of the spa staff and their knowledge has won praise from specialised breast cancer care nurses.

Macmillan Nurses Caroline Tweedie and Michelle Derbyshire, who are based at Sunderland Royal Hospital, said the work being done by The Spa at Ramside was “overwhelming.”

“There is a lot of emphasis now being put on health and wellbeing and so being able to come to the Spa at Ramside and enjoy a treatment will be of such benefit,” said Michelle.

Caroline added that they had been impressed by the level of knowledge and training that the staff at the spa had achieved. “We have heard many stories of people who have been turned away from spas,” she said.

“So for people to be able to come to Ramside and know that they are being treated normally by everyone is overwhelming. “The level of training and the knowledge of the therapists is also extremely impressive.”

One of the first people to try out the treatments on offer was 37-year-old breast cancer patient, Sarah Harrison from Hetton-Le-Hole near Sunderland, who had encountered a bad experience at another North East spa.

“Luckily I spoke to my nurses before I went to make sure it was ok for me to have the treatments,” she said.

“But when I was about to have my massage the therapist said to me that it could spread my cancer.

“I knew that was totally untrue but this could have devastated someone else.

“It’s wonderful that people can now enjoy treatments at a time when a bit of pampering and feeling good about yourself is so important.”

The Wellness for Cancer training involved all staff learning about the disease and the importance of bringing “mindfulness” elements – a technique which helps people deal with anxiety by living in the moment – into play.

The therapists at Ramside have also undergone Wellness For Cancer’s training in massage and manicures and pedicures which have been created to ensure those suffering from the disease will feel relaxed and comfortable.

Jill Russell, Spa Director at Ramside said that there had already been a great response to the programme.

“We are very proud to be the first spa in the UK to offer this service,” she said.

“There will be a treatment for everyone, nobody will be turned away.”

The £8m Spa at Ramside opened in August and offers five pools including one of the UK’s biggest hydrotherapy pools, 14 treatment rooms, a thermal suite, a Sleep Sanctuary and a Rasul mud chamber.

A number of special packages have been put together for guests who suffer from cancer and during October the Spa at Ramside will be donating £1 from every spa day booked to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Further information or bookings can be made on 0191 375 3088 by email enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk or by visiting the website at www.ramsidespa.co.uk

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