Palliative Care: A Core Challenge in the NHS
Special Guest Speaker For Our Next Masterclass'
Life and death are two moments that require the utmost sensitivity from anyone involved.
Having worked in obstetrics for six months, I have helped deliver several babies, either in the labour room or in theatre. I have witnessed the full spectrum of emotions experienced by patients—both in their happiest moments and in times of profound sadness when things go horribly wrong.
As a GP trainee, I have also become particularly invested in end-of-life care. My supervisor is the palliative care lead in our practice, which has given me the opportunity to regularly visit patients with complex needs and poor prognoses. I conduct ReSPECT discussions, connect patients with palliative care services, and collaborate with our incredible MDT to optimise pain relief for patients in their most difficult moments.
“The patient is the best textbook” as oft quoted by Kameel and each patient provides new opportunities for learning.
You see, palliative care doesn’t receive the same funding as other NHS services. Hospice care is funded and overseen by the Charities Commission, meaning it relies partly on NHS funding and partly on donations from the general public. As a regular donor to St Gemma’s Hospice, I know firsthand the difference our contributions make.
Despite this, palliative care services remain overwhelmed. The definition of “end of life” has expanded to include not only cancer but also respiratory, cardiology, and neurological conditions, increasing demand significantly. Much of the burden falls on primary and secondary care, and there is a huge push for clinicians to support palliative care services by upskilling in this area.
This Sunday, 23rd March, we have a unique opportunity to educate and upskill ourselves. We have invited Dr. Grace Marshall, a dual primary care and palliative care clinician with five years of experience bridging the gap between both services. I know Dr. Marshall well—she brings an aura of passion, care, and advocacy for patients at the end of their lives.
The CPD Palliative Care/End-of-Life Masterclass will combine her expertise with best-practice guidance on supporting patients at the end of life. As attendees, we will learn about the following topics:
- Palliative care: Identifying the dying patient
- Anticipatory medications: Latest updates in prescribing practice
- Home visit toolkit for end-of-life care
- De-prescribing in palliative care
- Legal and ethical dilemmas: ReSPECT, LPA, and more
This course is CPD accredited, and if you cannot attend the live session, it will be recorded for future viewing. It is suitable for AHPs in primary care, elderly care, and those involved in home visits or hospice ward rounds.
I’d encourage all clinicians attend this vital masterclass. [You can book here.](https://www.paretoeducation.co.uk/service-page/cpd-palliative-end-of-life-care?referral=service_list_widget)
Students… Check out our Youtube Tutorials
If you’re a student or trainee and you need a refresh on core history taking, be sure to check our carefully crafted YouTube tutorials on common history taking scenarios. They are FREE to watch and provide you with a live demonstration of each history and a checklist to help you prepare for your exams and assessments.
Check out our latest video on taking a haemoptysis history:
Website: www.paretoeducation.co.uk
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Twitter: www.twitter.com/pareto_ed
Youtube: https://bit.ly/3DPm23c
Email: info@paretoeducation.co.uk
Originally published on Substack.
