A nursing conference entitled ‘Getting to Grips with Palliative Care - A Nursing Perspective’ was held in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore recently.
The Community Specialist Palliative Care Services in Longford/ Westmeath joined with the collaboration of the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore and the Community Specialist Palliative Care Services, Laois/ Offaly to facilitate the conference.
Over 80 delegates attended, representing mainly nurses from the acute hospitals, care of the older person, and public health services within the Longford/ Westmeath and Laois/ Offaly regions.
The purpose of the conference was to provide delegates with a forum in which to explore best practice initiatives in palliative and end of life care, and an opportunity to enhance greater awareness regarding death and dying together with the needs of patients and families.
Chairperson of the conference committee Denise Doolan, said “As nurses we are at the core of our health service and frequently face a plethora of challenges as we deliver patient care, but by setting goals and having a belief in our ability to achieve those goals we empower ourselves to overcome challenges we may experience. Striving for excellence is and should be at the core of plans for future palliative care initiatives.”
A further conference is being planned for this year, which will focus on the inter-disciplinary approach to the provision of palliative and end of life care within the region.
