4th National Palliative Care Conference explores palliative care in community settings

The 4th National Palliative Care Conference, held in Sligo in October, examined the benefits of palliative care in different community settings instead of in an acute setting.

The conference was held by North West Hospice Charity in collaboration with the HSE and focused on the theme “Palliative Care in a Community Setting.” The event brought together leading experts and healthcare professionals to explore how compassionate, high-quality palliative care could be delivered outside traditional hospital settings.

These included delivering palliative care in your own home or in a nursing home instead of in an acute location.

The conference featured contributions from national and international leaders in palliative care, with sessions on the implementation of Ireland’s National Palliative Care Policy, innovative models such as the Virtual Palliative Care Ward, the role of community paramedics, and the importance of communication, compassion, and cultural traditions in end-of-life care.

Highlights included keynote presentations by Dr Feargal Twomey (HSE/RCPI National Clinical Lead for Palliative Care), Dr Amy Gadoud (Lancaster University, UK), and Winifred Ryan (National Healthcare Communication Programme), as well as insights from nurses and paramedics who are shaping the future of care.

The day-long event also featured an interactive session for a number of delegates of a Virtual Dementia Experience. This experience bought in from the UK was an immersive, simulation-based training program designed to help delegates understand what it is like to live with dementia. One delegate said “It is the most powerful and memorable training I have ever done and should be available to all healthcare staff.”

There was a special performance by the talented St John’s National School Choir who along with their teachers Enya McCafferty and Avril O’Hanlon received a standing ovation. Closing remarks were delivered by Maurice Dillon, National HSE Lead for Palliative Care.

Speaking about the event, Jess Kelly, Director of Nursing North West Hospice said: “The conference was about ensuring that patients receive the best possible palliative care in their preferred setting within the community, whether that be their own home, a nursing home, or a community hospital by promoting collaboration, sharing best practices, and enhancing quality and accessibility of care. By sharing learning and experience, we can continue to build compassionate, responsive and person-centred services.”