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.
We can also deliver on site education – tailored to your needs. Last year we provided a six day course called Principles and Practice in Palliative and End of Life Care for all the carers at Home Help UK in Bognor Regis.Some days were on site here, some at their Bognor office and some clinical experience at our in-patient unit at SWH.
Some comments from students from Home Help UK…
“The practical day at the hospice was amazing, every one made me feel very welcome – my mentor, Gina, was incredible – I learnt so much.”
“The course has helped me to communicate more appropriately and to listen more to what the client says the care needs are.”
“The best part of the course for me was the communication – this was something I had little confidence in doing – now I fell more able.”
“I enjoyed the whole course.Hand and foot massage was lovely. Learning this technique and then putting into practice has been fantastic.”
Communication skills in End of Life Care
The importance of effective communication skills is a vital part of good end of life care.This has been emphasised in many government reports.
Currently St Wilfrid’s is developing its own communication skills course which will span 2 days and be appropriate for all staff working in end of life care. We are also looking at becoming an accredited site to deliver foundational skills training, Sage and Thyme.
Work in Progress
We are currently working with Chichester University and with West Sussex County Council to look at best practice in end of life care for people with dementia. We are anticipating that this work will lead to new courses of study around this important area.
