2nd Explorations: National Palliative Care Conference hosted by North West Hospice

Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo

On 12th October North West Hospice proudly hosted their 2^nd Explorations: National Palliative Care Conference in the Sligo Park Hotel.

This year’s theme was ‘Palliative Care Community Service Development & New Initiatives – Building Towards a Future’.

Nuala Ginnelly, North West Hospice Operational Lead, in welcoming the delegates, highlighted the importance of community services being readily available for patients and families, to ensure those who wish to remain at home receive the support and services needed to do so.

There was a range of experienced, knowledgeable and expert key speakers, representing a wide range of disciplines.

This conference included updates on the responsibility of all healthcare professionals in providing a palliative care approach, the role of palliative care within national policy and clinical knowledge updates on pain and dyspnoea. One of the many take home memories from the day for the delegates came from stories shared by relatives of patients who died while receiving specialist palliative care. Their honest accounts of their loved ones journey really captured the difference that these services make to patients and their families lives.

Delegates travelled from Kerry to Donegal and from Galway to Dublin to attend this event.

The other key message on the day from North West Hospice was the importance of the team, both clinical and non-clinical. This was showcased through the involvement of all disciplines from North West Hospice on the day even incorporating the wonderful volunteers in Ramona the Harpist who welcomed delegates in the morning.

The talented McMorrow School of Irish Dance from Leitrim entertained the delegates in the afternoon.

The conference was closed by Maurice Dillon HSE National Lead for Palliative Care.

Nuala Ginnelly, North West Hospice Operational lead said “This year’s conference was a sell out with a waiting list for interested delegates so we have no doubt the 3^rd Explorations National Palliative Care Conference on October 10^th 2024 will be as much of a success. Well done to all the team at North West Hospice.”

Emma Ball, General Manager, Primary Care, CH CDLMS said “Congratulations to all the staff of North West Hospice on hosting such a wonderful national event, locally. The bringing together of so many disciplines shows the range of beneficial services and amazing volunteers we have on our doorstep.”