Enhancing Clinical Practice: Symptom Management in the last 6-12 months of life

Event Overview

This one-day study event is designed to support healthcare professionals to build confidence and competence in managing common symptoms experienced by people in the last 6–12 months of life. The day focuses on delivering timely, holistic and person-centred care, with practical insight into both pharmacological and non‑pharmacological approaches.

Participants will explore symptom management within the context of disease progression, quality of life and wellbeing, and the challenges that can arise as needs become more complex.

Who should attend:

This study day is relevant for Nurses, GP’s, Medical Staff,  Allied Health Professionals, Paramedics, Assistant Practitioners, Domiciliary & Care Home staff

Learning Approach

The day will be delivered through a combination of:

• Expert-led lectures
• Interactive discussion
• Q&A sessions with a specialist panel, providing opportunities to ask questions throughout the day

What the Day Will Cover

Throughout the day, we will focus on some of the most common symptoms experienced by people approaching the last year of life, including:

• Pain
• Breathlessness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation and medication side effects
• Fatigue and reduced wellbeing

Sessions will explore both drug and non‑drug therapies, including alternative and supportive approaches. The day will also address the emotional and psychological impact of living with a life‑limiting condition, recognising how disease progression can affect mood, motivation and overall wellbeing.

We will consider sensitive and often complex discussions around hydration and nutrition, including anorexia and cachexia, and how to approach these conversations compassionately and professionally.

Agenda

(As listed; speaker roles subject to confirmation)

• Welcome & Introductions
  by Chris Symes, Practice Educator, EOLP
• Nausea & Vomiting
  by Lisa Hardstaff, Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care, ECNHST
• Managing Low Mood & Fatigue
  by Anna Mackland, Specialist Occupational Therapist, St Luke’s Hospice
• Supporting Hydration & Nutrition
  by Rani Tara-Chand, Community Prescribing Support Dietitian, ECNHST 
• TBC
• Managing the Breathless Person
  by Macmillan Lung Cancer Team
• Managing Symptoms of Pain
  by Dr Sally Chambers, Clinical Lead, St Luke’s Hospice
• TBC 
• Final Comments & Evaluations
  by Chris Symes, Practice Educator, EOLP

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the study day, participants will be able to:

• Recognise and discuss common symptoms experienced in the last 9–12 months of life
• Assess and manage basic symptoms effectively within their clinical role, using a holistic approach
• Recognise low mood and psychological distress, and understand when and how to refer or signpost to other healthcare professionals
• Consider the impact of symptom burden and disease progression on quality of life

Programme Information

This event forms part of the Specialist Palliative Care Education Programme delivered by The End of Life Partnership.

Details

• Date: Thursday 12th March 2026
• Time: Full day, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Suitable for: Nurses, GP’s, Medical Staff,  Allied Health Professionals, Paramedics, Assistant Practitioners, Domiciliary & Care Home staff
• Delivered: Face to face
• Location: Canalside Conference Centre Brooks Lane Middlewich Cheshire, CW10 0JG https://maps.app.goo.gl/CWpNKqpD77J5T2RM7
• Refreshments: Lunch is provided.
• Funded: for Cheshire East Place.
• Cost: £100 for anyone who works outside of Cheshire East Place.

Cost

• Funded: for Cheshire East Place.
• Cost: £100 for anyone who works outside of Cheshire East Place.

Location