Dying Matters Week is this week and the theme for this year follows the theme of “the way we talk about dying matters”.
The theme hopes to draw attention to the language we use around death and dying, and focuses specifically on the conversations that healthcare professionals have with patients and their loved ones.
Charity Phyllis Tuckwell is offering help and support during Dying Matters Week to make it easier to discuss dying matters with loved ones and healthcare professionals.
Clinical Trainer at Phyllis Tuckwell Sara Cowell said:
“We offer a wide variety of training to both our internal colleagues and our local health and social partners, and communication is integral to all of the courses that we provide.”
“Our communication-specific courses include foundation and intermediate communication skills sessions, as well as sessions which focus on certain discussion areas which both healthcare professionals and patients, families and carers may find difficult. These include understanding and managing bereavement, loss and grief; supporting people in psychological distress; recognising dementia and understanding how to communicate with those who are living with this condition; and communication when supporting children and young people with loss and change.”
One attendee said: “I acquired knowledge on how to be an active listener, how to deal with difficult conversations and how/what to deliver to families and colleagues.”