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CHERRY LODGE HOSPICE DONATION
Monday, December 29, 2008, 15:32
Monday, December 29, 2008, 15:32
Cherry Lodge Cancer Care
It was on a remarkably cheerless day that I arrived at Cherry Lodge in High Barnet. The sky was leaden grey, there was a chilly and gusty wind and the rain was tumbling down. Yet the moment I entered Cherry Lodge it was as if mid summer had arrived! There was a palpable sense of light, peace and love – a sense that I have experienced in some other centres dedicated and devoted to healing. I was made most welcome by Sue Rose, the Macmillan Home Visiting Manager based at Cherry Lodge, who described the various services available.
Cherry Lodge Cancer Care is housed in a small converted early Edwardian house and yet its activities are extensive and comprehensive. It is not a hospice in the usual meaning of the word, but it serves the equally important need of providing care, comfort and support to those with cancer who have many problems and fears but are not in need of the intensive medical and nursing in-patient services provided by the hospices.
People with cancer can be referred to the centre by local health care professionals, social workers, other voluntary organisations or they can simply self refer. On their first attendance they are seen by a cancer information nurse who will determine the most suitable services for them – all provided free of charge.
The available services are divisible into five main groups –
1. Information on the disease and its management, and also practical advice on, for example, obtaining state benefits. A wide range of helpful leaflets are available and there is a lending library of books and CDs, the latter including music for relaxation and meditation. The practical help includes provision or loan of wigs for those with loss of hair due to chemotherapy.
2. Home visiting for those too unwell to leave home or in need of support at home after leaving hospital. Home visits are assessed by the Macmillan Home Visiting Manager and visits are undertaken by members of a team of trained Befrienders who provide support and companionship and perform light practical tasks.
3. Individual therapies, including counselling, acupuncture, homoeopathy, therapeutic massage, reflexology, Reiki healing and spiritual healing. As mentioned above, the most suitable therapy is determined by an initial assessment. Six to eight therapeutic sessions, usually of one hour duration, are provided free of charge – constraints of space and finance prevent more than eight therapies being given unless there are extenuating circumstances. The therapists all provide their services free.
4. Group activities, including pilates, qi gong and yoga as well as weekly drop-ins for general companionship and support combined with short therapeutic sessions.
5. Specific cancer support groups, including groups for those with lymphoma and ovarian cancer.
In addition, various education workshops are organised on such varied topics as Sound Therapy, and nutrition.
The impression that I left with is extremely positive. There is a great enthusiasm and dedication and a determined effort to make the very best of limited resources. Their attitude to those with cancer – who they term members (not patients or, God forbid, clients) – is certainly holistic, catering for physical, mental and spiritual needs, irrespective of religious or ethnic background. Until recently most of those attending the weekly Drop In sessions were women but a man with prostate cancer has ‘broken the ice’ and now gives great support to other men who are attending in increasing numbers.
I can see two areas in which they could, with relatively small financial grants, usefully extend their activities. First, in extending education workshops for other groups involved in cancer care to share and impart their very special experience and approach. Second, there is a need for simple research to determine the benefit of the various forms of complementary medicine. In this context, there is accruing evidence that ‘touch therapies’ – Therapeutic Touch and Reiki – do have effectiveness above and beyond the placebo effect. This has recently been confirmed by the much respected Cochrane Collaboration on evidence-based medicine. A strong evidence-base for complementary therapies would greatly enhance their more widespread adoption and deployment.
In conclusion, Cherry Lodge Cancer Care is providing a much needed service of the very highest quality and is highly deserving of continued help and support.
Prof John Grange CLJ
Deputy Hospitaller
Deputy Chairman Saint Lazarus Hospice Association
December 2008
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A Celebration of 15 years.
The 31st Investiture will be held on Saturday September 25th 2010 in the Priory Church of Saint Bartholomew’s at Smithfield, London. The service will include the Tenebrae Choir directed by Nigel Short, with the organ and trumpeters of the Priory Church.
Members of the public are most welcome to join us in our celebration and prayers. Contact the Secretary General to ensure a place.
Saint Lazarus Ladies Adidas Women's 5km Challenge September 5th 2010
If you want to join us on a (we promise!) fun day with 15,000 women of ages, please email us asking for a form. £15 will cover entry and a £5 donation to the Saint Lazarus Hospice Association. The run finishes with a well earned lunch and glass of wine or two at a local restaurant.
Continuing the celebration of 15 years of charitable work, the Order is holding a Charity Ball, with reels and a stupendous auction of promises on the November 11th in aid of the Saint Lazarus Hospice Association. Email for details.