To say Lauren Messenger enjoys her role as an East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) physiotherapist would be something of an understatement. In fact, when it comes to facilitating hydrotherapy sessions, she believes she has been blessed with a ‘wonderful gift’.
EACH has pools at all three of its hospices, and they are warmer than recreational swimming pools, allowing families to take a dip together in a private, safe and supportive environment.
In addition to the physical and emotional therapeutic benefits – helping relax muscles, ease pain and reduce weight – it also gives them access to something that might otherwise be out of the question.
Hydrotherapy allows the baby, child or young person to achieve a position, or enjoy an activity, that may otherwise be difficult or impossible out of the pool.
As a specialist paediatric physiotherapist, Lauren gets in the water, too, and loves being able to make a difference, no matter how big or small.
“Children often relax more in the pool, and we have several wheelchair-users who are able to move completely independently in the water,” she said.
“That wouldn’t be possible otherwise, and the smile and enjoyment they get from their sessions is always a delight to witness.
“It’s also a wonderful way for families to make memories, giving them access to something that may not be possible otherwise.
“Going to a public swimming pool may be out of the question for a variety of reasons, because of the water temperature, infection risks and access needs.
“However, we have an opportunity to facilitate something special here, and the simple act of supporting a baby, child or young person in the water, so a family member can have a positive interaction, is a wonderful gift that I feel privileged and honoured to be able to offer.”
Many of the families being supported feel hydrotherapy is important and beneficial, and they are always grateful to be offered sessions. Their time in the water varies and is based on the service-user’s individual needs and capabilities.
“We pride ourselves on the fact we can always adapt sessions, and, at the end of a day, it’s wonderful to reflect on what we’ve been able to help service-users achieve,” added Lauren.
“We remind ourselves that we were part of that achievement – however big or small – and it’s a real honour.
“With that in mind, I absolutely love my job. I get the opportunity to do something special and make a difference to a baby, child or young person’s life, which gives me huge amounts of satisfaction.”
Lauren joined EACH in July 2023, having previously worked as a Paediatric Respiratory Physiotherapist at Colchester Hospital.
Prior to that, she was a community paediatric physiotherapist, meaning she has many years’ experience working in a range of settings.
“Working here is amazing,” said Lauren.
“I love the team, love the service-users and love what we’re able to offer families.
“The days are often filled with laughter and joy – personally, as a team or in terms of the baby, child or young person and their parents and carers.
“However, the tough days are made easier by the people I work alongside.
“Having the opportunity to be part of our team is wonderful, and I couldn’t do my role without the people around me.
“We achieve so much, and, even on more challenging days, I remind myself that joy can be found, and positive memories made, on the most difficult of journeys.”
