“Integrative” medicine is taking a step forward in Christchurch with the establishment of the Helios Centre. This centre is the result of a merger and extension of two successful integrative medical practises - Novalis House in St Martins and Felicia House in Opawa.
Integrative medicine is the combination of conventional with complementary medical paradigms The key feature of both of these two practises is that although they have both been established by medically trained doctors they have also been offering complementary therapies to their patients for over twenty years.
Both practices have a focus on creating the conditions for good health rather than just the treatment of sickness and this is seen in terms of each individual's social and psychological health as well as their physical well-being.
The new centre is called the Helios Integrative Medical Centre and comprises a refurbishment of Novalis House and the addition of a new wing which provides 5 new surgery rooms, an osteopath room, an extended waiting room, two occupational therapy rooms and a social space to be used by patients to allow them to become more involved in the provision of health care services.
The centre offers a full general practice with special interest areas in child health, women's health and chronic medical conditions; Anthroposophical medicine; Japanese acupuncture; osteopathy; functional and herbal medicine; occupational therapy for children with learning problems as well as children with autistic spectrum disorder; massage, art, nursing and movement therapies; adult education and training courses for therapists, nurses and doctors.
Prometheus was approached when the project was in its planning stages to see if we would be interested in providing some of the finance needed for the renovation and building work. The loan was agreed after a period of discussion and development of the plans.