I really feel the benefit
If you fancy a free massage from the UEL team, pop by the education academy at Newham Hospital on a Monday or Wednesday and they'll tell you how to book. Or keep an eye out for the QR codes in the wellbeing areas.
“Earlier this year, sports therapy students from the University of East London started coming to Newham Hospital to provide free massages to staff.
“Initially, I didn’t take up the offer because I was having massages at home semi-regularly and sometimes I went to osteopath too. But around a month or so ago, I decided to try out the offer and see what it was like. I haven’t looked back since.
“For around four or five weeks now, I’ve had two 15-30 minute massages every week, in one of the seminar rooms of the Education Academy at the hospital, and they’ve been amazing.
“Each time I go, I use the app to book my appointment with the same therapist - Kimia. We’ve gotten to know each other and from our conversations, she’s got a good understanding of my job, what it involves and how it affects my body. This means that she now knows what areas I need worked on and so can focus on these.
More than a massage
“A couple of weeks ago, during one of my massages, Kimia felt something in my back which she thought was a knot. She tried working on it as usual but quickly noticed nothing was happening and so decided to stop.
“She then suggested I go to my GP which I did and I’m now being referred for a scan. I don’t think it’s anything serious, but I’m so grateful that Kimia spotted it. It shows how looking after yourself and getting to know your body is really, really important.
Feeling the benefit
“My role as a respiratory clinical nurse specialist means the last 20 months have been crazy busy with lots of Covid-19 patients and I’ve been tense and stressed most of the time.
“Having this massage offer at the hospital is brilliant because it helps me relax and allows me to take care of myself without it being a massive effort or commitment. I’ve really seen the benefit of getting them, both physically and mentally and I’ve seen my yoga and Pilates improve as well.
“I can also see and feel Kimia improve each week. As she and the others giving these massages are students, it’s really great to see them improve as they learn more and get more experience.
“I would encourage everyone who works at Newham Hospital to get one. They’re not just for clinical staff, but for everyone. And they really do make a difference.”
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