Complementary therapies for people with motor neurone disease: extending a cancer care service

Background Cavendish Cancer Care (CCC) is a charitable organisation in Sheffield providing assessment, counselling and complementary therapies for people with cancer and their families. Motor Neurone Disease (MND), is characterised by progressive deterioration: muscle wasting, speech, swallowing, and breathing difficulties. A year-long pilot study for patients and carers, funded by South Yorkshire MND Association was set up using the CCC model of care, in conjunction with the MND Team at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. We report here on patient experiences, using our standard evaluation procedures.