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
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.
10 July 2025
3D Hand Cast Training
Learn how to create life-like hand casts and receive practical advice on setting up a casting service for your patients and their families.
16 July 2025
Mental Capacity
An interactive webinar on how to assess capacity and best interest decisions, as well as an introduction to the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
20 August 2025
Nausea and Vomiting
Learn about common causes of nausea and vomiting in palliative care patients and interventions to help with this.
10 September 2025
Caring for the human spirit
This session will explore spirituality, how we define it, how it may differ from faith and religion and its importance at the end of life.
5 November 2025
The Palliative Care Pathway – Preparing for Winter Pressures
This webinar will provide an overview of the palliative care pathway and its importance for providing good care for patients at end of life.
19 November 2025
Advance Care Planning
An overview of Advance Care Planning, the legal and ethical considerations, and how to start ACP conversations with patients and families.
3 December 2025
Constipation
An online webinar covering changes in bowel habits at end of life, common causes of constipation, and types of medication.
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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