University College Hospital Complementary Therapy

952. Amanda Tata

She treats around 200 patients a year, offering a range of treatments including massage and reflexology. Amanda works across the hospital with a focus on the general medical wards where her treatments help patients relax and manage stress. Amanda has grown her programme recruiting and training a team of 12 other professional complementary therapist who volunteer their time. She has also instigated a new service gifting massages to NHS staff on breaks as a thank you for their dedicated service.

As part of the celebrations for the 70th Anniversary of the NHS, volunteers who are making a real difference within the health and care sector are being recognised over seven days by the Prime Minister, with their work celebrated at an NHS70 roundtable and official reception at No.10 Downing Street on the 4th July.

In a personal letter to Amanda, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“You are having a tremendous impact on patients and staff at University College Hospital. The complementary therapies you provide give them the opportunity to take some time away from their day and relax. By also training other professionals to donate their skills in this way you will reach even more people across the hospital. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS, I want to wish you the very best with your initiative as you continue to support staff and patients alike.”

Flo Panel-Coates, Chief Nurse at University College London Hospital, said:

“Amanda’s passion for supporting our patients and staff is infectious and her commitment and drive shine through in everything she does. We are extremely proud to have such an amazing team of volunteers – and to have Amanda as part of it. She really epitomises our values of kindness and teamwork and we are delighted that she has won this award.”

Amanda said:

“I am honoured to receive this award and do so proudly in the knowledge that I am part of the volunteer complementary therapist corps of the University College London Hospital NHS Trust. I have a strong commitment to bringing the benefits of touch, including reflexology and related massage therapy, to a hospital environment and I am delighted for this to be recognised. I have been able to see at first-hand how effective and potent massage can be in supporting patients through an often stressful and/or lonely period in hospital. Their families and friends also appreciate that the health and well-being needs of their loved ones are being considered from a holistic point of view. My next goal is to develop massage provision to the clinical staff, as this will both boost their wellbeing and offer potentially significant enhancement to the clinical environment.”