We run an extensive curriculum of education and training courses, both in-person and virtually.
Our programmes aim to improve confidence, knowledge and skills when providing palliative care to patients and those important to them.
Courses and training
Our curriculum
Our general curriculum covers a wide range of topics including communication skills, care delivery, advance care planning, clinical skills, symptom management and much more. We’re also proud to work in partnership with providers from across the health and social care sector, commissioning bespoke end of life and palliative care education programmes to suit the needs of their teams.
Some of our bespoke programmes are only available to staff working within the remit of our various partners – please check individual course details for more information.
If you have specific training requirements, and would like to discuss how we can develop and deliver a programme to suit your needs, please contact the Education Team on education@birminghamhospice.org.uk
Upcoming courses and events
5 February 2026
Identifying and Managing a Dying Patient
Learn about common indicators of prognosis, the five priorities of care for the dying person and practical management strategies.
26 March 2026
Ethical Dilemmas at End of Life
Learn about the different frameworks, decision making models and dilemmas at the heart of end of life ethical dilemmas.
23 October 2025
Medicine Management at End of Life for Prescribers
This course develops an understand the underlying pharmacology of medicines used at end of life and how to accurately prescribe medicines.
25 September 2025
Lasting Power of Attorney
A series of interactive webinars about the different types of Power of Attorney, how to nominate someone for the position and its legal implications.
11 February 2026
Communication for Junior Doctors
Free online training for Junior Doctors on how to communicate with patients effectively and show empathy and concern.
29 January 2026
Palliative Care Emergencies
The sessions will equip you with the tools and resources you need to manage challenging situations that may arise when caring for patients.
17 June 2025
Complex Pain Management
This interactive webinar covers topics including the assessment of pain, methods for pain management and pain emergencies.
25 June 2025
Breathlessness
A webinar exploring common causes of breathlessness and anxiety in palliative care patients and how to manage these.
3 July 2025
ReSPECT Forms
Learn about ReSPECT forms, how to approach and record ReSPECT discussions, and how these can be used as a springboard for ACP.
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Our interactive four-day programme is for Registered Nurses and Allied Healthcare Professionals (AHPs) working in community or inpatient settings across the Trust and addresses the key principles in Adult Palliative Care.
We also offer a range of bite size interactive sessions for all Registered Nurses, AHPs and HCAs, as part of the Trust’s palliative care education programme.
Sessions are delivered in person at Birmingham Hospice’s Selly Park site, and online via Zoom. For more information, and how to apply, please see the links below:
Foundations in Adult Palliative and End of Life Care
Palliative and End of Life Care Education (bite size)
European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care (ECEPC)
The ECEPC is a 9-week distance learning course suitable for registered healthcare professionals who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the field of palliative care. It is co-ordinated by Princess Alice Hospice in Esher and is administered by local sites across the UK and Europe (one of which is Birmingham Hospice).
Through a combination of self-directed study, personal reflection and support from experienced palliative care clinicians, candidates explore the essentials of palliative care in preparation for a written and oral assessment (these are undertaken virtually at present).
For more information about the course dates and fees please visit https://www.pah.org.uk/ecepc/
To apply please complete the online application which you can find here ECEPC Application form (jotform.com)
Please note, for hospice colleagues working in organisations affiliated with Hospice UK, bursaries may be available towards course fees. More information about this can be found at https://www.hospiceuk.org/innovation-hub/support-for-your-role/grants/wolfson-bursaries-hospice-staff
The Faith Lectures
This series of interactive online seminars will explore the teachings and beliefs of the major faiths, their approach to death and dying, the important rituals associated with death and burial, and the process of grieving.
The free educational programme will seek to address some of the most challenging questions posed to health and social care professionals as they provide support to those at end of life, and to families experiencing bereavement.
The sessions will provide attendees with a greater understanding of the integral role that faith has within the cultural and religious diverse communities they serve, and equip them with the skills and knowledge to offer support in a sensitive and effective way.
You can watch the recordings of all of the past lectures on our YouTube channel and the player on the left.
Learn with us and positively influence your practice so that we can all be part of a future where those with a life-limiting illness can live and die with dignity and in comfort."
Annie Hand – Clinical Educator at Birmingham Hospice
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