We are The Christie magazine Oct 2025

Innovative recruitment

A new face in a new role

Patients and staff may have already spotted a new member of the complementary health and wellbeing team at The Christie.

Anthony Preston, 48, from Stockport, has taken on a unique new role, not only a first for The Christie, but believed to be the first of its kind anywhere in the world. Anthony is the first ever trainee integrative therapist to be employed at The Christie. Over the next 12 months, he’ll be learning and delivering a range of therapies that support patients alongside their clinical treatment. These include reflexology, aromatherapy, massage, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, therapeutic touch, and creative visualisation. The therapies can be particularly beneficial for patients experiencing anxiety, pain, needle phobias, claustrophobia, or stress linked to treatment. “Seeing patients at their lowest point and being able to offer comfort is rewarding. To help a patient relax and take away some pain or anxiety is a privilege.” Anthony's journey began with an interest in health and sport. "I'm a keen runner and cyclist. I did a massage diploma a few years ago but never imagined it would lead to this." He also brings extensive NHS experience from various clinical settings.

“It was evident Anthony had lots of transferable skills. His passion really came across,” said Eileen Hackman, Clinical Lead for Integrative Therapy and Anthony’s manager. “The feedback so far has been very positive.” The post was created to address reduced entry routes into the profession. Fewer colleges now offer complementary therapy training, leaving many applicants without oncology experience for hospital roles. At the same time, new NHS rules limit volunteers’ access to patient records, restricting their ability to assess and document treatments safely. Eileen led the trainee model project. “Working with oncology patients requires specialist knowledge,” she says. “We needed a way to bring new people into the team and ensure the future of this important service.” Anthony hopes the role will develop and open the door for others. “I feel privileged to be the first of hopefully many coming into the role,” he said.

Eileen shares that hope. “Having therapists who can quickly apply what they’re learning helps ensure patients receive safe, effective care,” she said. “The trainee therapist project is

Anthony describes his first months in the role as inspiring. “The team has been fantastic and welcoming. It’s a friendly place to work, and you can see how committed staff are to supporting patients and their families.”

something I’ve dreamed of for some time. It’s amazing to see it come to fruition.”

Interest in the post was high. Over 50 people applied, with 16 shortlisted for a special recruitment event where applicants gave presentations and spent time with the integrative therapy team.

"Having therapists who can apply what they’re learning straight away helps ensure patients receive safe, effective care."

Eileen Hackman

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