Christian Juul Busch, Hospital Chaplain, Copenhagen University Hospital

The concept of meaning is complex and paradoxical because it is often brought up when it is felt to be slipping away. Drawing on the life and ideas of Kierkegaard, Christian will suggest different levels of meaning and set out a framework for understanding existential anxiety, spirituality and meaning-making at the end of life.

Back to top

Kristian Pollock, Professor of Medical Sociology, Nottingham Centre for the Advancement of Research into Supportive, Palliative and End of Life Care

Increasingly people are dying in advanced old age, with diminished capacity and agency. What shifts in thinking are required to meet the needs of vulnerable, dependent, very old people who are reaching the end of life?

Back to top

Donald Macaskill, Chief Executive, Scottish Care

Donald will explore the nature and distinct contribution of social care in palliative and end of life care, and its role in enabling positivity around loss.

Back to top

Deans Buchanan, Consultant in Palliative Medicine; Paul Baughan, GP and Clinical Lead for Palliative and End of Life Care (iHub); Shobhan Thakore, Emergency Medicine Consultant

What exactly is shared decision-making? Drawing on case studies from different settings, and using interactive polling, this session will examine the complexities of shared decision making towards the end of life and suggest pointers for improvement.

Back to top

Paul Gray, Director General for Health and Social Care/Chief Executive of NHS Scotland

The achievements of the NHS are rightly celebrated and admired internationally. In addition to highlighting past successes Paul will look ahead to some of the real challenges which will face the NHS over the next 20 years and he will challenge delegates to play their part in securing its future.

Back to top

Hear from colleagues about good practice and innovation taking place right now in Scotland.

This series of quick-fire presentations will showcase a range of work, in the form of eight 5-minute talks from a variety of speakers.

Back to top

Supportive Care in Advanced Cirrhosis—Making the Case for Collaboration

Fiona Finlay, Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Hazel Woodland, Hepatology Registrar and Clinical Research Fellow

This session will describe and share emergent learning from a multi-site pilot project looking at integrating palliative care with hepatology care of people with advanced decompensated cirrhosis.

Let's Get It Right

Jacqui Graves, Human Rights Lead, Sue Ryder

Using quizzes, interactive activities and scenarios, this session will: build on existing knowledge and experience; increase awareness of how human rights can be used to improve shared decision-making; recognise the benefits of using a human rights approach.

Mindfulness meditation – a practical approach to coping with tough realities.

Lesley Howells, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Centre Head, Maggie’s, Dundee

This very practical session will: summarise the evidence for mindfulness; describe with examples its use in palliative care and equip attendees to incorporate simple techniques into their own end of life care practice. A meditation taster will also be included.

Understanding and ReSPECTING future wishes for treatment in an emergency

Dr Juliet Spiller, Consultant in Palliative Medicine (Marie Curie), Scottish Representative on ReSPECT Project and Dr Lynsey Fielden, Consultant Geriatrician and ReSPECT lead NHS Forth Valley

ReSPECT is a process that creates and documents personalised recommendations for a person’s clinical care in a future emergency in which they are unable to make or express choices. This session will describe what ReSPECT is, what it is trying to achieve and the latest lessons from pilots in Scotland and elsewhere.

Back to top

Poster exhibition: The annual poster exhibition is an essential part of learning and sharing best practice at the conference. Last year's exhibition showcased a record 46 posters, sharing a variety of work from across Scotland.

ArtWorks Exhibition: An exhibition of original pieces of art created in hospices by individuals and families.

Back to top

The conference costs £145, with a reduced rate for £105 for employees of member organisations. For more information and to book a place, visit the SPPC Conference webpage.

Back to top