Heather Richardson, Joint Chief Executive, St Christopher's Hospice

Jake Garber, Service Designer and Systems Thinker, WIGS

As a sector, we hold a powerful position within the national consciousness as the practical and symbolic carers of the dying. So far we have struggled to leverage this position to create the changes that are needed in the sector and in wider society. Research on ‘framing’ highlights how familiar patterns of communication and action are maintained, suggesting one way in which progress is blocked. So what if we start with the frame that death is the opportunity? What becomes possible then?

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Tony Walter, Sociologist and Emeritus Professor, Centre for Death & Society, University of Bath

At end of life, what is the role of bio-medicine and institutions such as hospitals and care homes? Are critiques of medicalisation and institutional care overplayed? Do palliative care and compassionate community have all the answers?

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Michael West, Professor of Organisational Psychology, Lancaster University Management School

Drawing on research, practical examples and his co-chairing of the current GMC review of doctors’ mental health and wellbeing, Michael will describe ways in which organisations can respond to current pressures without sacrificing the wellbeing of employees.

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Ewan Kelly, Freelance Facilitator, Speaker and Pastoral Supervisor

This session will explore the significance of meaningful work for our wellbeing as people as well as practitioners, including how we respond when our deep desire to provide the right care is in tension with aspects of our work context. Ewan will share thoughts, practical strategies and lead a gentle reflection to close the day.

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Delegates can choose to attend one of the following breakout sessions:

Safe, practical radical – how design can help you rethink approaches to death, dying and care.

Jake Garber, Service Designer and Systems Thinker, WIGS

This workshop will show how design thinking can be used to frame new approaches to knotty problems. Delegates will have an opportunity to prototype a solution to an issue which concerns them.

How can we best enable carers to express their support needs and work with them to provide the right support?

Dr Gail Ewing, Senior Research Associate, University of Cambridge

Lynne Carmichael, Head of Clinical Governance and Practice Development.

This interactive and practical workshop will introduce the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) intervention. Delegates will gain an understanding of its approach and use in practice.

Realistic Medicine works in Palliative Care

Dr Kirsty Boyd, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, NHS Lothian and Dr Kim Steel, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, NHS Fife.

Realistic Medicine is driving changes to policy and practice across Scotland and overlaps with another key aspect of palliative care – anticipatory care planning.

This session will use case-based discussion, Q&A and interactive communication to look at what realistic medicine brings to palliative care practice and how palliative care professionals can support the delivery of realistic medicine principles in Scotland.

How translational research can directly impact on the palliative care delivered to our patients:examples in bone and neuropathic pain.

Prof Marie Fallon, St Columba’s Hospice Chair of Palliative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and Honorary Consultant in Palliative Care at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

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Are you involved in an interesting project or in an area of work that you would like to discuss with or show to others in Scotland with an interest in palliative care?

Why not apply to display a poster of your work at this year's SPPC Annual Conference?

The annual poster exhibition is an essential part of learning and sharing best practice at the conference. Last year's exhibition showcased a record 48 posters, sharing a variety of work from across Scotland.

If you are interested in presenting a poster to be part of the exhibition, please contact: Pauline@palliativecarescotland.org.uk for a proposal form for completion. The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 2nd September.

Those bringing a poster to the conference should also be prepared to give a brief 5 minute presentation on their poster should it win the People’s Poster Vote on the day. Find out more here: Call for Posters.

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The conference costs £150, with a reduced rate for £110 for employees of member organisations. (A list of member organisations is available here: SPPC members.)

To book a place, click here: Bookings and prices

Download the conference programme here: Conference Programme

Check out the conference webpage here: SPPC Annual Conference 2019

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