When you think of medical care, you might picture doctors, nurses, and medication, but there’s another layer to the care provided at Hospice Malta that often goes unnoticed and yet makes a world of difference: Complementary Therapy.

Complementary Therapy is exactly what it sounds like: therapies that work alongside conventional medicine, not instead of it. The goal isn’t to replace treatment but to give patients extra support, helping them feel better physically, emotionally and mentally. At Hospice Malta, this might include massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and other gentle, non-invasive approaches designed to ease discomfort and improve overall well-being.

So, what does a Complementary Therapist actually do?

Every patient’s journey is unique, which is why no two sessions are ever the same. A Complementary Therapist takes time to assess each patient’s needs and then tailors the treatment plan to suit them. These sessions can help relieve pain, nausea, constipation, insomnia and anxiety. All of which are common challenges for many patients with serious illness. Even small improvements in these symptoms can make a huge difference to a person’s quality of life.

Complementary Therapy isn’t new to Hospice Malta. In fact, it has been part of the service since the year 2000. Back then, just a handful of patients were making use of the service. Today, that number has grown to around 150 every year. That’s a lot of lives made just a little easier, and we’re proud of that progress.

The process is simple but thoughtful. Usually, a patient is referred by their key worker after a discussion with the wider Hospice care team to make sure that Complementary Therapy is the right fit for them. Then, the therapist meets with the patient, more often than not in their own home, to offer a personalised session. That personal touch is part of what makes this service so special.

The therapies themselves are as varied as the patients we serve. Some might enjoy the gentle relief of massage or reflexology. Others find comfort in aromatherapy, which can have a powerful effect on relaxation and mood. In recent years, Hospice Malta has introduced aroma pods following specialised training in collaboration with Christie Oncology Hospital in Manchester, UK. These pods allow us to bring the benefits of aromatherapy into patients’ spaces in an even more accessible way, and many have told us how much they enjoy and benefit from them.

The feedback we receive is heart-warming. Patients regularly report feeling calmer, sleeping better and coping more easily with day-to-day symptoms after a session. For some, it’s about physical relief; for others, it’s about finding a moment of peace in what can be a difficult journey. And for us as therapists, hearing those words of gratitude is what keeps us motivated and inspired.

Of course, we never stop learning. Our Complementary Therapy team is committed to ongoing professional development, both in Malta and overseas, to make sure that our patients receive the best, safest and most effective care possible.

Complementary Therapy is one of those services that really showcases what Hospice Malta is about: caring for the whole person, not just the illness. It’s about comfort, dignity and helping people live as fully as they can.

If this resonates with you and you have the skills and passion to become a Complementary Therapist with Hospice Malta, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing hr@hospicemalta.org.