The Hospice belongs to the local community and it offers evidence based, person-centred service that is delivered by palliative care experts. Education is at the centre of our every day practice and as our expert practitioners work along side primary health care teams, hospital teams, and the independent sector, so the most lasting and valuable education takes place – and the learning is a mutual experience. The formal education at St Wilfrid’s Hospice supports and expands this learning experience. Our Education Centre provides a space for all health care professionals to learn from each other, reflect together and look at new ways of working to help realise our ideal of equitable and first rate care for all persons with long term conditions/life threatening illnesses. The Education Department is led by Michele Booth whose qualifications are RGN, Dip HE in Palliative Care, BSc in Community Nursing (District Nursing), MA in Health Professional Education, Nurse Independent/Supplementary Prescriber.
This series of six study days is suitable for all HCAs, domiciliary care workers and other health and social care staff who would like to increase their knowledge and understanding of end of life issues in relation to practice.
The importance of effective communication skills is a vital part of good end of life care. This has been emphasised in many government reports.
St Wilfrid’s Hospice is accredited to deliver Sage and Thyme foundational skills training.
Central South Coast Cancer Network run a two-day communication skills course appropriate for all staff working in end of life care. For further details contact them on 02392 684896 or email helen.hosking@csccn.nhs.uk
St Wilfrid's Hospice hosted a very successful End of Life Care Cluster event at Hilton Avisford Park Hotel on Tuesday 20 November.
A follow up meeting will be held at the hospice on Thursday 28 February, where the Cluster champions will have the opportunity to report on their group action plans from the event and discuss the way forward.
A number of Care Homes in the local area have now signed up for this programme, which is being led by our Six Steps Facilitator.
The aim of the programme is to ensure the best end of life care through facilitating organisational change and supporting staff in Care Homes to develop their roles around end of life care. It is based on the National End of Life Care Programme Guidance (2010).
The programme consists of a series of workshops, to be delivered in local Care Homes, with additional study days at the hospice. The induction day will be held on Monday 4 February in the Day Hospice.
We are planning to visit GP Practices over the next few months to update clinical staff on end of life care.
