"I find the entire experience to be both inspiring and healing"

My recent experience of this facility impressed me greatly in a number of ways, so much so that I would like to provide feedback.

The holistic approach is one that makes me feel very well supported and sensitively understood. I feel that my individuality is central to the treatment I receive and already I feel better able to face the future with confidence in relation to my health and wellbeing. I receive homeopathic treatment and also completed an eight week course in cognitive based mindfulness at the centre. This was incredibly helpful, not only to me but to all the other patients attending. We all felt empowered and better equipped to help ourselves in coping with our various (often painful) health issues using natural methods such as relaxation, meditation and mindfulness alongside alternative therapies and traditional treatment. Some felt able to reduce dependency on drugs and even reported an improved sense of wellbeing whilst doing so.

Although I attend the hospital as an outpatient, I spoke to inpatients who shared their absolute enthusiasm for the centre and who described how this facility differs from traditional hospitals in the way healthcare is delivered. For example, meals are prepared in the centre’s kitchen using fresh wholesome ingredients, taking into account the healing properties of many fresh fruits and vegetables. This positive experience of healthy eating helped patients to continue with good diets once back home. Fresh air and access to the natural world are also part of the inpatient treatment and all patients have access to peaceful outdoor gardens. Alternative therapies are of course central to the treatment of patients at the centre and daily treatment programmes include art therapy, outdoor exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, meditation, Bowen technique etc.

In general I find the entire experience of being a patient at the centre to be both inspiring and healing. Everything is different there...it really is a wonderful service. Even the consultation time with doctors is different...unhurried, thorough and very very caring in the manner in which it is delivered. I feel truly grateful for having the opportunity to receive this quality of care within our NHS and I would certainly regard it as a centre of excellence which could influence positively the traditional delivery of some aspects of healthcare in our NHS. I understand of course that this approach does not suit everyone, nor am I suggesting that it could be applied across the board, but there are certain areas of this holistic health care service that could enhance the way other hospitals function. I hope that my feedback is helpful.