Study day: Spirituality, bereavement, grief and loss
The South Wales Hope Group had a very successful study day on 28th September, the topic being 'Spirituality, bereavement and end of life issues'.
This was at Singleton hospital in Swansea, South Wales, and was well attended. The talk from the hospital Chaplain was enlightening and delivered in a very warm and emphatic manner and I certainly learned a lot about communication skills - especially the importance of listening and our approach to patients and carers at this difficult time.
I am sure we also learned a lot from the local funeral director about how this aspect is carried out now compared to in the past and how the profession has developed.
Clare Job, a clinical nurse specialist, talked us through some ethical issues which were new to some people and helped clarify issues that were discussed at the conference in June.
Finally we had a very interesting talk from Jennie Matheson called, mysteriously, 'Pandora's Box'. Jenny has developed a project in West Wales which has been funded by Macmillan for 4 hours a week. We were all amazed at how she fits so much in such a short time. Patients are identified on the chemotherapy day unit who have a recurrence of their condition and treatment is aimed at delaying the progress of disease. She has set up a programme to work with patients to find practical strategies to help cope with the side effects of treatment. It is extremely well organised and I think this would be well worth sharing with other members at the next conference if Jenny feels she can do this. I did mention this briefly to her!
Our next committee meeting is on Tuesday November 29th, 11:00 at the George Thomas Trust Centre Whitchurch Hospital. We will be discussing future workshop topics, e.g. COPM, and if we can get together to record a relaxation CD, amongst other issues.
Penny Palmer
South Wales Regional Meeting
The South Wales members met on Monday 4th April at Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, in the Occupational Therapy Department.
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