CARE Event Type: Skills workshop

Eating and Drinking Towards The End of Life Workshop

Nurse and patient

A practical, interactive workshop for healthcare assistants and professionals who support people approaching the end of life.

During this workshop we will explore what to do when a person’s ability and desire to eat and drink changes, and share practical strategies for you to incorporate into your work.

This two-hour workshop will take place at St Christopher’s CARE in Sydenham.

As well as sharing practical strategies to support comfort, choice and enjoyment around food and drink, we will also look at person-centred approaches to managing risk of aspiration and choking at the end of life, as well as ways to support patients and their families through these changes.

Using real-life scenarios, the workshop will provide practical guidance, discussion, and ideas that can be applied in everyday practice. This will include exploring common challenges such as how to support individuals with cognitive impairments, like dementia, who may experience fluctuating swallowing difficulties.

After this workshop you will:

  • Know the principles of eating and drinking and changes towards the end of life
  • Understand how to support families when eating and drinking becomes difficult for someone who is approaching the end of life
  • Be able to apply practical strategies that support eating and drinking towards the end of life
  • Be able to evaluate products and resources to support comfort and enjoyment of eating and drinking at the end of life

The course is appropriate for all Nurses, Nursing Associates, Healthcare Assistants, Care Home Managers and other allied health professionals 

Isla Jones

Isla Jones has worked at St Christopher’s hospice as a speech and language therapist since 2020 and prior to this has over 15 years experience working as a speech and language therapist with adults with communication and swallowing difficulties primarily in the acute setting. 
Read full profile Isla Jones

End of Life Scenarios Skills Workshop

Scenario-based training to build confidence in communicating and managing a range of situations that may occur in the last days of life.

CPD accreditation logo

Participants will be able to practice skills such as assessment, decision making at the end of life and communicating with relatives. This workshop aims to provide a safe space, allowing professionals to experience what it might be like to care for someone at the end of life, encouraging them to feel more confident to do this in their place of work.

We are delighted to confirm this workshop now has CPD Accreditation.

During this workshop you will:

  • Feel more confident to care for someone at the end of life
  • Be able to discuss the communication skills needed to work with this patient group
  • Be able to discuss cultural differences with regards to end of life care

This workshop will take place at St Christopher’s CARE in Sydenham.

Who is it for?

The course is appropriate for all Nurses, Nursing Associates, Healthcare Assistants, Care Home Managers and other allied health professionals looking to refresh their knowledge about end of life care.

Kim Hydes

Kim is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at St Christopher’s Hospice, caring and supporting individuals and their families who are at end of life in the Bromley community area. She has recently joined the Professional Learning team at St Christopher’s CARE in a seconded role as a visiting lecturer alongside her community role. She will be facilitating the ECHOs for Bromley and Croydon mental health and learning disability care homes plus the Croydon and Lambeth care homes. She will also be teaching on a range of our skills workshops on offer. Kim has worked as a palliative care nurse in the…
Read full profile Kim Hydes

Fungating Wound Care Management Workshop

CPD accreditation logo

Palliative wounds can cause serious physical, psychological and social pain.

This workshop is to enhance nurses’ knowledge and clinical skills in the holistic management of fungating wounds to improve patient comfort and quality of life.

We are delighted to confirm this workshop now has CPD accreditation.

Outline

Palliative wounds can cause serious physical, psychological and social pain.

This workshop is designed to enhance nurses’ knowledge and clinical skills in the holistic management of fungating wounds by understanding their underlying causes, selecting appropriate dressings, and implementing strategies to alleviate physical and psychological symptoms, thereby improving patient comfort and quality of life.

Taking place at St Christopher’s CARE, our expert nursing team will provide small groups of learners with a thorough introduction to the principles and practice of the complex and challenging issue of holistic wound management.

This two-hour skills workshop will include a theoretical presentation, case studies and time for a Q&A, as well as provide learners with everything they need to create an effective and holistic wound management care plan. Our expert tutors will also support you with ways of identifying common symptoms and the practicalities of fungating wound management.

What will I learn?

By the end of the workshop you will be able to:

  • Describe the cause of fungating wounds and focus of care
  • Determine the properties and function of some available dressings
  • Select measures to mitigate the main physical and psychological symptoms associated with these wounds

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

    Who is it for?

    This workshop is suitable for nurses and nursing associates.

    Claire Roberts

    I have previously worked in General Medicine and General Oncology. It was when I worked on a Breast Oncology Unit that my interest in wound management developed. We had patients undergoing surgery and also medical patients that presented with breast wounds due to their cancer. I had the opportunity to complete a course in tissue viability. When I came to work at the hospice I was fortunate enough to meet Dame Cicely Saunders and was inspired by her generosity of spirit. I enjoy Palliative Care Nursing focusing on symptom control which also includes palliative wound care.
    Read full profile Claire Roberts

    Syringe Drivers – Introduction to Syringe Drivers Workshop

    Introduction to Syringe Drivers Workshop
    CPD logo

    An introductory workshop covering the theory and practice of using syringe drivers. A practical workshop with hands on practice setting up a syringe driver.

    We are delighted to confirm this workshop now has CPD accreditation.

    Outline

    For a district nurse or nurse working in a hospice, using a syringe driver can be second nature. Health and social care professionals working in other settings are likely to be much less familiar with this piece of equipment that is such a critical part of palliative and end of life care.

    Our expert nursing team will provide learners of all levels with a thorough introduction to the principles and practice of syringe drivers. As well as gaining confidence in using the equipment, attendees will also learn about some of the most commonly used drugs. The course tutors will also provide solutions to some of the most frequent problems that can occur when using a syringe driver, providing learners with the skills to troubleshoot.

    What will I learn?

    • Gain increased understanding of the indications for use of a syringe drivers
    • Improve knowledge of the most commonly used drugs administered by syringe driver
    • Become confident with the procedure of setting up a syringe driver and troubleshooting

    This workshop will take place at St Christopher’s CARE in Sydenham.

    Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

    Who is it for?

    The course is appropriate for all Nurses, Nursing Associates, Care Home Managers, Pharmacists and Doctors looking either to upskill or refresh themselves in the use of syringe drivers.

    Kim Hydes

    Kim is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at St Christopher’s Hospice, caring and supporting individuals and their families who are at end of life in the Bromley community area. She has recently joined the Professional Learning team at St Christopher’s CARE in a seconded role as a visiting lecturer alongside her community role. She will be facilitating the ECHOs for Bromley and Croydon mental health and learning disability care homes plus the Croydon and Lambeth care homes. She will also be teaching on a range of our skills workshops on offer. Kim has worked as a palliative care nurse in the…
    Read full profile Kim Hydes

    Falls Clinic Skills Workshops 

    Falls Clinic Skills Workshop

    Welcome to our Falls Clinic where we will explore how we can support people – from falls assessments through to how it impacts them as an individual, and how we can physically support them to be more active and reduce their risk.

    We recommend attending both workshops.

    Workshop 1: Introduction to falls risks

    The contributing factors that might increase someone’s risk of falls

    One in three people aged over 65 fall at least once a year with that risk increasing significantly as people age. In this first of two sessions we explore that factors that can contribute to someone being at risk of falls. This is a highly experiential session, giving you the opportunity to experience challenges, that people you support may face, in a safe supportive environment.  We will also explore the impact that falls have on someone’s sense of self and their identity.

    This can be used as a stand alone workshop or to optimise a holistic approach to falls assessments and management please attend both workshops.

    What will I learn?

    Following this workshop you will understand the risks to be considered when completing a falls assessment. You will have had some experience of what it might feel like to be at risk of falls. You will learn how fear of falling can undermine who we are as an individual and challenge you to think differently about how you interact and communicate so that you can enhance a sense of self.

    Workshop 2: Introduction to falls prevention

    The first step to falls prevention is understanding the risks and so we would encourage you to also attend the morning session as part of these workshops.

    In this sessions we will look at optimising someone’s physical function to enhance a sense of self and reduce risk of falls. We will look at and practice the practical skills that you can use to support people around mobility and exercise as a non specialist professional. We will focus on how we can support people to be the best that they can be and hold them and what matters to them at the centre of what we do. We will explore risk and the concept of ‘risk confidence’.

    What will I learn?

    The theory behind the importance of exercise and activity, exploring motivation and goal setting will all be covered in this session. We will practice completing some exercises appropriate to people with all different levels of mobility. We will also apply the learning to case studies and bring together activities from both workshops to change practice. 

    These workshops are for anyone who has an interest in falls or works within a setting supporting people who may be at risk of falls.

    This will be relevant to you if you are a nurse, health care assistant or allied health professional.

    Lizzy Jenkins

    Lizzy has been an Occupational Therapist at St Christopher’s since 2021, with experience working across the inpatient unit and outpatients. Lizzy also works one day a week as a learning facilitator in the Professional Learning team. She chose to specialise in oncology and palliative care 10 years ago and has worked in a specialist oncology hospital, as well as several hospices in that time. Lizzy is passionate about supporting people to live well until they die.
    Read full profile Lizzy Jenkins

    Introduction to Communication Skills Workshop for Health & Social Care Staff

    A photograph of two ladies, sitting down and holding hands. The ladies are looking at each other and smiling. The photograph demonstrates strong and empathetic communication.

    Join this interactive workshop at St Christopher’s CARE that explores the importance of good communication and challenges we might face when doing this.

    The session will allow participants to practice their communication skills in role-play scenarios. We expect learners who attend this session to fully participate in the activities. Full support will be provided to create safety through these activities.

    CPD accreditation logo

    You will build confidence in holding empathic and open conversations in various situations.

    We are delighted to confirm this workshop now has CPD accreditation.

    What will I learn?

    Following this workshop you will be able to

    • Identify the components of good quality communication
    • Respond to conversation enablers openly and with empathy
    • Demonstrate empathic and open conversation with a peer

    This workshop will take place at St Christopher’s CARE in Sydenham.

    Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

    Who is it for?

    This workshop is appropriate for all Nurses, Nursing Associates, Healthcare Assistants, support workers, Care Home Managers and other allied health professionals.

    It is recommended that you have attended one of our Principles and Practice of Palliative and End of Life Care courses prior to booking this session – please contact education@stchristophers.org.uk for further information or visit here.

    Kim Hydes

    Kim is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at St Christopher’s Hospice, caring and supporting individuals and their families who are at end of life in the Bromley community area. She has recently joined the Professional Learning team at St Christopher’s CARE in a seconded role as a visiting lecturer alongside her community role. She will be facilitating the ECHOs for Bromley and Croydon mental health and learning disability care homes plus the Croydon and Lambeth care homes. She will also be teaching on a range of our skills workshops on offer. Kim has worked as a palliative care nurse in the…
    Read full profile Kim Hydes

    Gail Preston

    Gail is the Head of Professional Learning at St. Christopher’s Hospice and a physiotherapist. She has been a physiotherapist for over 20 years, initially specialising in Neuro Rehab before moving into Palliative Care. Over the last 15 years Gail has developed and evaluated services and worked in a variety of teams within the Hospice. Having developed her skills in teaching she found a role within the Education Team and furthered her knowledge with a Post Graduate Qualification in education. Gail is passionate about development and continued learning. She is also part of ACPOPC representing the voice of palliative care physiotherapists…
    Read full profile Gail Preston

    Learning Disabilities and Palliative Care Skills Workshop

    How can we improve palliative care for people with learning disabilities?

    This is an interactive session which aims to improve participants understanding of learning disabilities and how we can meet the needs of this patient group towards the end of life. It will include case studies and opportunity for Q&A.

    Topics will include: supporting communication, decisions around hospital admissions, providing person-centred care and symptom assessment for this patient group. By the end of this session you will have improved confidence in supporting individuals with learning disabilities towards the end of life.

    We are delighted to confirm this workshop now has CPD Accreditation.

    Two people talking
    CPD accreditation logo

    What will I learn?

    This workshop will take place at St Christopher’s CARE in Sydenham.

    Topics will include:

    • Advance care planning
    • Symptom assessment for people with learning disabilities
    • Communicating about death and illness.
    • Decisions around hospital admissions

    Who is it for?

    This workshop is appropriate for all Nurses, Nursing Associates, Healthcare Assistants, support workers, Care Home Managers and other allied health professionals looking to refresh their knowledge about learning disabilities in palliative care.

    Phoebe Mooney 

    Phoebe is a Clinical Nurse Specialist for people with learning disabilities working in palliative care at St Christopher’s Hospice. She has always had a special interest in palliative care and prior to her current role Phoebe worked as an advance care planning nurse for adults with LD in East London. Phoebe also has experience of working as a community learning disability nurse in both physical and mental health. Phoebe is passionate about improving the support people with learning disabilities receive at the end of life and enjoys teaching and raising awareness about this topic.
    Read full profile Phoebe Mooney 

    Kim Hydes

    Kim is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at St Christopher’s Hospice, caring and supporting individuals and their families who are at end of life in the Bromley community area. She has recently joined the Professional Learning team at St Christopher’s CARE in a seconded role as a visiting lecturer alongside her community role. She will be facilitating the ECHOs for Bromley and Croydon mental health and learning disability care homes plus the Croydon and Lambeth care homes. She will also be teaching on a range of our skills workshops on offer. Kim has worked as a palliative care nurse in the…
    Read full profile Kim Hydes