by Debbie Jones, Learning Hub Lead
Are you looking after someone who has a diagnosis of a life limiting illness or is at the end of their life?
Whether you are a health or social care professional or an informal carer looking after a family member or friend you can access training free of charge.
The Wigan Borough Palliative and End of Life Care Learning Hub launched on October 5th to provide education and training in palliative and end of life care in a bid to enhance the care of Borough residents and help to support the people caring for them.
Health and social care professionals
The hub is based at Wigan and Leigh Hospice in Kildare Street, Hindley, where health and social care professionals can access a dedicated clinical skills room and training spaces within a tranquil learning environment.
Training is delivered in large and small group sessions or on a one-to-one basis in the workplace. Virtual training also runs as part of a regular 12-week training programme, which covers a wide variety of topics including promoting dignity, communication skills, providing emotional support, management of symptoms and much more. Additional sessions include syringe pump training and healthcare assistant induction training.
The hub is led by the Practice Development Team who work together in partnership with other health and social care professionals to improve the care of people in the last few months, weeks and days of life.
Health and social care professionals working in a variety of care settings including care homes, extra care and supported living, learning disability settings, day centres, dementia services, GPS, district nursing teams, hospital staff, domiciliary care agencies and more can access the hub.
Hub lead, Debbie Jones, said: “We appreciate that meeting the needs of someone who is dying can be a daunting situation for many staff. This may be especially true for those new to health and social care or have limited experience in this field.
“With the appropriate support and education, those working in a variety of caring roles can be assisted to deliver dignified, compassionate care to those at the end of their lives, whilst feeling more knowledgeable, confident and skilled.”
More information about the hub by emailing: pdt@wlh.org.uk
Informal carers
Informal carers can learn more about palliative and end of life care at drop-in sessions being held regularly in Pemberton and Standish.
The Practice Development Team from the hospice will be at Standish Library and Pemberton Clinic once a month to answer questions or discuss any learning needs you may have.
They will also be hosting talks at the same venues on topics including dementia and pain and planning for future care. Health and social care professionals are also welcome to attend. Information on dates and times of the sessions is available on our Learning Hub page or by emailing: pdt@wlh.org.uk