Nancy Hall RN, at Bethell House/ Hospice Wellington, and Arlene Cugelman RN, volunteer at Hospice Simcoe, presented "A Gentle Touch - Integrating Therapeutic Touch into Hospice Palliative Care" at The Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) 2016 conference, "Putting the Pieces Together - Collaborating for Quality Hospice Palliative Care in Ontario", held in Richmond Hill April 17-19. Those present reflected a cross section of the health care field with front line workers and volunteers from LTC and hospice alike. Other areas represented - clinical educator, bereavement counsellor, administration, and volunteer co-ordinator. Engagement was excellent with many staying well beyond the hour presentation to continue active discussion on the use of Therapeutic Touch. It was exciting to share the many benefits of Therapeutic Touch with this amazing group who care so deeply about the wonderful work they are engaged in.  

This annual HPCO conference also hosted 2 days of Complementary Therapy (CT) Taster sessions for the 5th year.   Volunteer practitioners of Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Craniosacral Therapy and Aroma, Therapy Massage provided 161  fifteen minute taster sessions. This represented about 30% of the registered delegates. Therapeutic Touch practitioners Arlene Cugelman (Hospice Simcoe) Gail Douglas, Dale Cimolai, Lori Church –Santonato and Nancy Hall (Bethell Hospice) all participated. 

The HPCO Deputy Director and the conference organizer both sent emails of appreciation and admiration for the growing success of the taster sessions.  “It is great to hear how people actually book their CT Taster sessions before registering at the conference”