By royal appointment... 200 treated at Prince’s new centre

A MULTI-million-pound treatment centre set up by Prince Charles and dubbed the ‘Royal NHS’ has offered alternative therapies to more than 200 people in its first year.

The facility, in the grounds of Dumfries House, near Cumnock, Ayrshire, offers holistic treatments including Tai Chi, acupuncture, reflexology and hypnotherapy.

It officially opened in January last year and around 80 per cent of its patients are referred by local clinics and doctors.

Last year, 204 people received treatment, with a 46 per cent increase in the numbers using its chronic pain management courses. Those using its health and wellbeing courses – aimed at tackling diabetes and obesity – were up 29 per cent.

There was an increase of 28 per cent in women taking part in menopausal health classes and a 65 per cent rise in those using its fertility wellbeing sessions.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman and UK Health Minister Matt Hancock have been on fact-finding missions.

Shiona Johnston, who jointly heads the site’s Integrated Health and Wellbeing programme, said: ‘We’ve seen a significant rise in the numbers, especially NHS referrals, as people see we’re getting results.’

Eddie Fraser, director of East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: ‘Many medical conditions can be alleviated, if not reversed, by changes in lifestyle. We welcome the complementary treatments and support Dumfries House gives.

‘Patients are given extensive dietary advice, get a chance to try different forms of exercise and learn relaxation techniques.

‘The outlook for many patients has become a lot brighter. Feedback has been positive.

‘Simple measures can improve quality of life.’