A hospice in Poole has been highly commended at the 2023 Great British Care Awards.

Forest Holme Hospice took second place out of 11 finalists in the Palliative Care category at the southwest awards ceremony in Bristol on Thursday November 23.

The Complementary Therapy team at the hospice were recognised for their work treating patients with peripheral neuropathy, which causes damage to the nerves carrying messages between the brain, the spinal cord and the rest of the body. A side effect from cancer or cancer treatments, this condition can be very distressing, causing tingling sensations, pain, problems with balance, walking and coordination and it is difficult to manage with painkillers and drugs.

Combining aromatherapy, reflexology and acupuncture, the team has devised a course of treatment unique to Forest Holme Hospice to treat peripheral neuropathy.

Chief executive of Forest Holme Hospice Charity, Hannah O’Hare, said: “We are thrilled our Complementary Therapy team has been honoured with this award, it is very well deserved. Our therapists Dr Kate, Christine Riches, Kay Spears and Lenka Eliaskova have achieved some truly remarkable results for our patients over the past three years.

“Our patients have been able to return to doing things they love such as golf, badminton, or walking. The treatment has given patients back their independence, allowing them to drive again.”

During the early consultations, patients used the 'MY MOPP' programme to score their symptoms. With initial scores averaging four /six out of six, patients complained of 'tingling', 'tight tendons', and ‘feeling like they were walking on needles'.

Following the treatments, their symptoms are scored again. Overall, there is a notable 40 - 90 per cent improvement in patient symptoms, with the average score down to one or two out of six.

Hannah said: “Here at Forest Holme, we aim to improve our patient’s lives for as long as their life may be. We are delighted the work carried out by our complementary team is having a significant impact on the wellbeing of our patients, where more traditional treatments have been unsuccessful.”