Lewis-Manning Hospice Care brought together healthcare professionals, students, and community partners with a guest lecture at Bournemouth University on 12th February. The event examined how palliative and end-of-life care is currently delivered both locally and nationally.
The guest lecture, delivered by Professor Bee Wee CBE, former National Clinical Director for End-of-Life Care at NHS England, explored the challenges and opportunities facing palliative care within today’s health system. The event facilitated the need for earlier support, including stronger coordination between palliative and end-of-life services in Dorset. Professor Bee Wee CBE is also currently Lewis-Manning’s Visiting Professor, but drew on her national experience to advise on how palliative care must adapt.
Clare Gallie, Chief Executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, said: “Hospice care plays a vital role within Dorset’s health system. It’s important that we continue to share learnings, question assumptions, and work alongside our regional healthcare partners to strengthen how care is delivered locally.
“Our event at Bournemouth University presented an opportunity to bring multiple disciplines and organisations together, marking what I hope will be a chapter of increased palliative and end-of-life healthcare collaboration in Dorset. It’s critical that we work together to ensure patients receive the right support, at the right time, in the place that matters most to them.”
Dr Lucy Pollock and Ashley Spriggs also delivered lectures. Dr Pollock is the author of ‘The Book About Getting Older’ and is a geriatric medicine consultant in Somerset. At Lewis-Manning’s event, she shared how frailty should be factored into the evolving approach for palliative care. Meanwhile, Ashley Spriggs, a Principal Academic in Nursing, delivered an overview of her PhD study into the underlying factors affecting end-of-life care for people with dementia in UK care homes.
Alongside national insight, the event showcased Dorset’s contribution to shaping modern hospice care. Contributions from Lewis-Manning’s clinical leadership team and Bournemouth University academics reinforced the role of education, research, and partnership working in strengthening care for local people.
Lewis-Manning is Dorset’s independent hospice charity that supports over 1,200 local people each year. Its team delivers care at home, virtually, and via community hubs, working closely with GPs, hospitals, and voluntary sector partners.
