In the United Kingdom 75% of deaths are due to non-malignant disease and it has been argued that palliative care should be provided according to need, not diagnosis (NCHSPCS 2002; End of Life Strategy 2008).

This course has been given ReQ and has been assessed by the Universities of Surrey and Brighton and recognised for  its educational quality.  Follow this link for further details

This series of five study days looks at:

Management of Neurological Disease – MND, MS & CJD (day 1)
20th January 2011

• an understanding of the pathology of MND, MS & CJD
• describing the dying process as it relates to these conditions
• being able to identify & manage common symptoms experienced by these patients at the end of life
• exploring the challenges of caring for these groups of patients from a practical, psychological & ethical perspective

Management of Dementia  (day 2)
3rd February 2011

• understanding the pathology of dementia
• being aware of the impact of dementia on the person, those close to them & the professionals who care for them
• exploring a variety of ways of communicating with a person who has dementia

Managing End-Stage Cardiac Failure (day 3)
17th February 2011

• developing an understanding of the pathology of cardiac failure & the concept of disease burden
• being aware of the lived experience of cardiac failure
• identifying difficulties in recognising the dying process
• exploring the challenges of caring for these patients considering practical, psychological & ethical management

Managing End-Stage Renal Failure (day 4)
10th March 2011

• exploring the pathology of renal failure & discussing when renal failure becomes ‘end-stage’
• describing the dying process in renal failure & identify common symptoms that arise, along with the appropriate management
• recognising the experience of living with end-stage renal failure
• understanding how the practical, emotional & ethical challenges of end stage renal failure can be met through working in partnership with others

Managing Respiratory Disorders (day 5)
24th March 2011

• recognising the variety of respiratory disorders & how to identify the dying process
• discussing common symptoms in respiratory disease & the appropriate management
• reviewing key issues surrounding long-term oxygen therapy
• understanding the implications of the end of life for patients with respiratory disease as they relate to practical, psychological & ethical aspects of care

This course is suitable for health & social care professionals who would like to increase their understanding of end of life care in non-malignant disease, with a  focus on joint-working between palliative care specialists & those who provide care for patients

Each day runs from  9.30am to 4.30pm at St Catherine’s Education Centre.

Each 5 day course costs £350-00 ~ includes handouts, refreshments and lunch ~ however,  it is possible to book individual study days at £75-00 per day