It gives me great pleasure to wish St Ann’s Hospice and its entire staff a very happy 40th birthday. The work that takes place at the hospice is truly unprecedented and with the help of the Greater Manchester community St Ann’s can celebrate a fantastic 40 years. Keep supporting the Hospice and the brave patients and families it helps each and every year.Craig Phillips

All quotations are used with permission.

The treatment she gives patients at Little Hulton is definitely more pleasure than pain.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

“Sometimes patients choose to have their hair done rather than see a doctor,“ said Denise, from Farnworth.

“Obviously they have to see the doctor as well but they might put that off because they prefer to see me first.”

A session in her salon does not involve just a haircut. Denise is a body image therapist so advises patients on all aspects of how to improve their appearance.

“I will see ladies who’ve lost their hair through chemotherapy and will maybe trim their wigs, or help them choose alternative headwear such as scarves and hats which they can buy.

“I will show them how to draw in their eyebrows and paint their eyelashes for them. It’s all about helping to give them confidence.

“I’m part of a multi discipline team but I do the nice bit really and give patients facials and teach them how to put make-up on.”

Denise has worked at St Ann’s for 15 years and has been a hairdresser throughout her career. “I love my work and it’s definitely the best job here,“ she added.

“I also do manicures and hand and foot massages as part of touch therapy treatment.”

Her services are provided free as part of the St Ann’s experience for in-patients and patients in day care.

It is seen by the Hospice as an invaluable form of therapy ensuring clients look good and feel good.