We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to continue to learn and develop professionally.
We offer a variety of sessions covering all the basics needed to ensure high quality palliative and end-of-life care. You’ll find details of all our courses below and places can be booked in our online shop.
Our courses
Managing the Patient with Heart Failure
Managing the Patient with Heart Failure
Suitable for registered nurses or other health care professionals in the acute of community setting who wish to improve their management of patients with heart failure.
A study day on the management of heart failure from diagnosis through to end of life care.
Topics include:
- Heart failure diagnosis
- Cardiac devices
- Non-pharmacological interventions
- Advanced care planning
- Heart failure at the end of life
Course dates and locations:
- Thursday 25 September, 9am – 4:30pm
This course takes place in our Yeovil Hospice
Cost:
The cost of this course is £50
Book your place.
Introduction to Symptom Management
Introduction to Symptom Management
This session will explore some of the most common symptoms encountered in palliative care and how to manage them including pain, agitation, and shortness of breath. We will discuss how to recognise the signs that someone is dying.
Course dates and locations in 2025
- Wednesday 12 November, 1pm-3.30pm – Taunton
Cost:
The cost of this half day course is £30.
Book your place
Medications for Syringe Pumps
Medications for Syringe Pumps
This session is suitable for staff who need a greater understanding of the medications used in syringe drivers. We will cover which medications are commonly used and why. We will also look at the compatibility of medications.
Course dates and locations in 2025
- Wednesday 8 October, 12.30pm-2.30pm – Taunton
- Wednesday 10 December, 12.30pm-2.30pm – Taunton
We recommend booking this course alongside Syringe Pump training.
Cost:
The cost of this half day course is £30.
Book your place
Syringe Pump Training
Syringe Pump Training
This session is suitable for all staff who use syringe drivers in their role.
It is a patient-focussed session covering why and when syringe drivers are used. It is an interactive practical demonstration of the syringe drivers currently in use across Somerset, including BD Bodyguard. It is designed to increase confidence in setting up a syringe driver, common problems that arise and how to deal with them. We will also look at just in case medication and consider communication with the patient and those important to them.
Course dates and locations in 2025
- Wednesday 17 September 10.30 to 12 in our Taunton hospice.
Cost:
The cost of this half day course is £30.
Book your place
Verification of Expected Death and Care After Death
Verification of Expected Death and Care After Death
This interactive session is for health care professionals who may need to verify an expected death. It covers the roles, responsibilities, and terminology as well as the legal considerations. We will consider the emotional impact on ourselves and those around us.
Course dates and locations in 2025
Thursday 6 November, 09.30am to 11.30am, Taunton Academy
Cost:
The cost of this half day course is £30.
Book your place
Somerset Palliative Care ECHO Network
Somerset Palliative Care ECHO Network
Interested in developing your knowledge of Palliative Care?
ECHO Sessions provide an opportunity for like-minded healthcare professionals to learn, share best practice and discuss ideas in an online forum.
2025 Network Session Dates
Complex Pain and Emotional Well-Being: Early Holistic, Lifestyle, and Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Develop Self-Care and Resilience
Thursday 23 October 10am -11am
Dr Roger Smith – Consultant
An Overview of Lymphoedema
Thursday 18 December 10am -11am
Becky Eckersall – Lymphoedema Specialist
Sessions are FREE, held remotely and coordinated by the Hub (St. Margaret’s Hospice Care).
All you need is a device that you can access the internet and emails on, with a camera, microphone, and speaker.
Please email [email protected] if you would like to be added to the distribution list
Somerset Palliative Care ECHO Network
Somerset Palliative Care ECHO Network
Interested in developing your knowledge of Palliative Care?
ECHO Sessions provide an opportunity for like-minded health and social care staff to learn, share best practice and discuss ideas in an online forum.
2025 Network Session Dates
The Role of the Sunflower Centre
Wednesday 24 September 2-3pm
Teresa Connah – Lead Nurse, Day Services
An Overview of Lymphoedema
Wednesday 19 November 2-3pm
Laura Blundell – Lymphoedema Specialist
Sessions are FREE, held remotely and coordinated by the Hub (St. Margaret’s Hospice Care).
All you need is a device that you can access the internet and emails on, with a camera, microphone, and speaker.
Please email [email protected] if you would like to be added to the distribution list
Booking Terms & Conditions
Bookings
Bookings are limited to 3 people per organisation per session.
Cancellation
- St Margaret’s Hospice reserves the right to change or cancel the course date/time at any point.
- If you need to cancel, please tell us at least 7 days before the course date
- All course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to alternative courses or dates
- Name changes are allowable up to 7 days before the course
- Names and individual contact details will need to be provided prior to the course date.
- To cancel your booking please do so by emailing [email protected]