May I draw your attention to the above date for the next [12^th] Annual conference for Palliative Care and remind you to mark your diaries accordingly.

Please note bookings as usual can only be made with payment by cheque and we advise to book early to avoid disappointment, especially if you require an En Suite Room as numbers are limited.

See attached Brochure for your “Booking Form”.

NB Cheque to be made payable to Cardiff University

This is an opportunity for not only the seasoned presenter but also for those new to presenting; to showcase their work to the community of Palliative Care across Wales in an informal and friendly supportive environment.  May I therefore invite you to submit abstracts to be presented which can include audit, research or academic studies that you would like to share with fellow colleagues.

The deadline for submission of Oral or Poster Abstracts is 31^st July 2012

Abstract Flyer attached, Abstract Submission Form also attached, with Brochure for your “Booking Form” .  We look forward to hearing from you.

Palliative Care Research in Wales

NISCHR have provided funding for palliative care research development in Wales. This work is coordinated by the Cancer Registered Research Group, which is hosted by the Wales Cancer Trials Unit (WCTU) and has strong links with the Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre (MCPCRC) based at the WCTU.

The aim is to develop and support well designed research in palliative care, with the focus on design and conduct of pragmatic studies which will translate into better patient care.

Through its links with WCTU and MCPCRC the palliative care research development group are able to provide:

·      Advice on how to develop a research idea

·      Expert methodological advice

·      Identification of funding routes and help with applications

·      Direction on the right options for completing studies

·      A vital trials unit function for study conduct

Please visit the Cancer RRG website for further information on current research in palliative care and how to access support if you would like to develop your own research idea.

New Transition SIF to be launched: We need YOU!

The number of children with life limiting conditions who are surviving into early adulthood has increased hugely over the last decade and is set to continue to increase year on year. These young people have complex needs and require truly holistic care. Specialist Palliative Care has a role to play and slowly services are rising to the challenge.

Partnership working is fundamental to good transition, and engaging both paediatric and adult service providers is the first step in improving transition for this vulnerable group.

Dr Victoria Lidstone, The All Wales Clinical Lead for Transition, is launching a new APM Special Interest Group. She hopes that by  bringing together professionals who are interested in young people,  the group can help move things forward, bit by bit, to improve services right across the UK. Victoria says that young people are “a great group to work with”, and if you get involved I’m sure you’ll find her enthusiasm is infectious!

If you are interested in joining please contact Victoria at

Victoria.Lidstone@Wales.nhs.uk, or just come along to the inaugural meeting which will be held at the Palliative Care Congress in Gateshead this March (see conference programme for details).

My post was created as a result of the Welsh Palliative Care Implementation board report, and I was appointed in January 2010. I work part-time 3 days a week.

The purpose of my post is to improve the experience of young people with life limiting diagnoses moving from paediatric to adult services. A large part of my post is strategic, rather than clinical, and as such I cover all of Wales. I attend several clinics on a regular basis, when I see young people either on a one-off basis to discuss transition and refer on where necessary, or where I provide more regular input; I do not have my own dedicated out-patient clinic.  I am happy to see young people at home if required, and currently Sarah, the transition Physiotherapist and I review several young people in this way. I also hold a small caseload which currently stands at 22 young people between the ages of  16 and 27yrs. My involvement with patients varies considerably, but includes discussing their priorities, looking at educational opportunities, practical care issues, psychological needs and support, and health. You might notice health is last in that list- that’s because that’s usually where the young people place it- of course most of the other issue relate back to health, but that’s not necessarily how the young people see it. 

I am also involved in research locally and across the UK.

The referral criteria I use are:

·         16-25yr old

·        Resident in Wales

·         Short prognosis

·         Current issues around transition from paediatric to adult services that cannot be solved by the present team

Please remember there is only part-time me, and I am here to advise and give short term intervention, not to take on care. Having said that, I am happy to chat about any young person you have concerns over, so please fell free to contact me.

Contact:

Email: Victoria.Lidstone@wales.nhs.uk

Tel: 02920 743373

Address:

Victoria Lidstone

Consultant in Palliative Medicine

Department of Paediatric Palliative Care

1^st  Floor, Cardigan House,

University Hospital of Wales

CF14 4XN

Interested in Young People's Palliative Care?

Why not join the Transition UK E-Group?  Network with like minded colleagues & keep up to date with study days, event, policy.

E-mail me to join victoria.lidstone@Wales.nhs.uk

Supplementary guidance on the use of the All-Wales community DNACPR form has been published by the Palliative Care Implementaion Board & RCGP Wales End-of-Life Care Working Group. This document aims to address questions and issues that have arisen since the DNACPR form was introduced 2 years ago. You can download the guidance here as a PDF file.