Meet the team – Kate McClay
Complementary therapy coordinator at Blythe House Hospice
‘I love my job, and I hope that comes across.’
Kate McClay, a complementary therapist, has been at Blythe House Hospice for over two years and at the start of 2024, she became complementary therapy coordinator.
A former nightclub manager and licensee, it was Kate’s own experiences that led to a complete career change 20 years ago: ‘My personal connection with complementary therapies began when I suffered a traumatic injury, illness and faced several surgeries.
‘I was a little sceptical at first, however, the impact complementary therapy had on me led to me completely changing career paths, to share this with others who were struggling or suffering.
‘This careful, gentle, holistic approach to the body and mind of people I work with cannot only help with symptom control, insomnia, low mood/anxiety but can soften the experience they are facing on many levels.
‘I work with complementary therapies and relaxation techniques, with an emphasis on supporting the ‘frazzled’ nervous systems of patients and their families, at some of the most difficult and vulnerable times in their life.
‘For me working with the patients is my favourite bit, without a doubt, but also to build a toolbox with them so they have something to assist them beyond the sessions we have together is wonderful and practical.’
As well as working one to one with patients, Kate also runs workshops and programmes alongside other services at the hospice: ‘Within something like the Wellbeing Wednesday group, I can come in and share a four-week programme to empower patients by explaining what is happening to the nervous system and how they can settle and soothe it.’
When she first started at Blythe House Hospice, Kate was pleased to see how complementary therapies had been embraced and was delighted to join the team: ‘The skills the clinical team have are impressive as is their approach to patients and their families – it is so good to be part of it.’
Kate believes an important part of her role is to show what complementary therapies can be and the benefits, not just with the team but also with patients, their families or friends: ‘If someone comes for six sessions but would really benefit from the comfort that it brings continuing, I can teach techniques to others.
‘Patients can have a family member or friend come along to see me for a one-off session to teach them how to do a foot, leg or hand massage for example so they can continue some form of touch therapy with their loved one.’
Outside of work, Kate loves music: ‘During festival season, I am off with my tent to go and dance around a field in my wellies.’
