With health-care workers feeling overwhelmed by the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, some local spas are doing what they can to make them feel better and unwind.
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa is offering up their "health-care hero" promotion to those on the front lines.
Ailene MacDougall, who owns the two Barrie locations, says she's happy to be able to help health-care workers in some way.
“We have been wanting to do this for a while, but never felt it was the right moment,” said MacDougall. “Many of our members and guests work in healthcare already but we wanted to reach out to our local RVH (Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre), long-term care and clinic workers.”
The promotion means a lot to MacDougall, who has family in the health-care field.
“My daughter works at the Ottawa hospital and sees first hand the stresses. I’ve had family in the hospital that I couldn't visit because of COVID restrictions,” she said. “That adds further burden to healthcare workers who have to provide added support to patients who are on their own.”
Hand and Stone offers facials, laser and waxing hair removal, registered massage therapy and other treatments focused on individual needs.
MacDougall said you can’t underestimate the physical or mental health benefit of getting a massage treatment.
“We hear their stress and pain in the media and if we could do something small to help, that’s what we wanted to do. With this promotion, we’re able to help them feel better and take some time for themselves,” said MacDougal. “We have many clients and new visitors who have been very thankful for the small gift.”
Depending on lockdown rules, Hand and Stone may or may not be able to offer facial or laser hair removal services.
MacDougall said they have implemented strong COVID sanitization processes that they log everyday.
“All employees had to complete the online training prior to returning last year and all new employees complete this as well. We screen our staff and our clients before every shift/visit,” said MacDougall. “Additionally, we invested in PPE for our staff and clients as needed.”
Both Barrie locations, 130 Live Eight Way and North Barrie Crossing Mall, ensure physical distancing. Staggered start times for therapists are in place so there are never more than two clients at reception or in hallways.
The health-care hero promotion runs until the end of April and health-care workers will only need to show credentials from their place of employment to take advantage of the offer.
For more on Hand and Stone, you can check the website here.
