Palliative Care Champion Success at Ardgowan Hospice
Ardgowan Hospice is proud to celebrate the success of our Palliative Care Champions Training Course, a six-week programme led by the dedicated and experienced Monica Keenan. This initiative aimed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver exceptional palliative care and advocate for compassionate practices in their communities.
A Comprehensive and Practical Course
The training focused on core areas of palliative care, including symptom management, effective communication, emotional support, and navigating ethical challenges. Delivered in an accessible and engaging format, the course ensured participants could immediately apply their learning in real-world care settings. The Health and Social Care Partnership supported the course, providing those involved with the relevant tools needed to become Palliative Care Champions.
One attendee remarked, “The teaching was very insightful and broken into easy-to-take sections,” highlighting the clarity and structure of the course. By the end of the programme, participants felt more prepared and confident to handle complex care scenarios. One shared, “I feel very confident about discussing concerns around residents with palliative care needs following this course.”
Strengthening Connections and Support
A key element of the course was the opportunity to build meaningful connections with Ardgowan’s expert palliative care team. Many participants expressed gratitude for the team’s guidance and accessibility. One attendee noted, “Having met some of the palliative care team, I would feel happy to call for advice. They are knowledgeable and approachable.”
The supportive environment created by Monica and the team was deeply appreciated by all. Another participant shared, “I have just spent a very inspiring six weeks with the team at Ardgowan Hospice. The support we have been given has been second to none. I feel positive for the future in my care role. It was a fabulous course.”
Champions for Compassionate Care
Graduates of the course have not only enhanced their practical skills but have also become advocates for high-quality, compassionate palliative care. These champions are now equipped to improve the lives of patients and families, ensuring that dignity and respect are always prioritised. Their training will have a ripple effect, strengthening care networks and creating a lasting impact within the community.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
The success of this course is a testament to Monica Keenan’s leadership and the hard work of the hospice team, whose passion for palliative care inspired participants every step of the way. This dedication to excellence was further exemplified on the final day of the event, when Gerrie Douglas-Scott and CEO Graham Gardiner delivered impactful speeches that resonated deeply with attendees.
Gerrie Douglas-Scott shared her inspiring journey, focusing on the importance of resilience and compassion in both personal and professional settings. CEO Graham Gardiner highlighted Ardgowan Hospice’s vision for the future, emphasising the transformative role of education and community support in palliative care. Their words underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a brighter future for all those impacted by life-limiting illnesses.
At Ardgowan Hospice, we remain dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, compassion, and support. We look forward to hosting similar training programmes in the future to continue empowering individuals and enhancing palliative care across the region.
Thank you to all the participants, Monica, Gerrie, Graham, and the wider hospice team for making this programme such a success. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for palliative care and ensuring that no one faces life-limiting illness alone.