Information for health care professionals

The Mary Stevens Hospice is able to offer palliative care advice to healthcare professionals by telephone over 7 days a week between the hours of 8am-4pm by calling 01384-445417 or emailing supporthub@marystevenshospice.co.uk. This advice can be accessed regardless of whether the patient you wish to discuss is known to the hospice. 

In addition, we have put together a bank of resources for medical professionals to support you, including free access to online COVID-19 palliative care training. We will continue updating this section as appropriate. 

Education for Health Care Professionals 

West Midlands Palliative Guidelines for Medicine: http://www.wmcares.org.uk/wmpcp/guide/

End of Life Care COVID-19- ELCA 

https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/605650

https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Catalogue/Index?HierarchyId=0_45016_45128&programmeId=45016

Community palliative care 

Providing community palliative care

https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=10389

COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing symptoms (including end of life) in the community : https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng163

End of life and dying issues from the Muslim perspective: https://updatebrum.co.uk/c19supportbrum/six-short-audio-films-about-end-of-life-and-dying-issues-from-the-muslim-perspective/

Communication

Difficult conversations – why we need to talk about dying

Talking to relatives: A guide to compassionate phone communication during COVID-19

Delivering news of a death by telephone: https://vimeo.com/328655124

Unwelcome news conversations- Dr Kathryn Mannix: https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/LearningContent/LaunchForGuestAccess/611111

Discussing unwelcome news: https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/LearningContent/LaunchForGuestAccess/611127

Ceilings of treatment: https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/LearningContent/LaunchForGuestAccess/611119

Mental health support for health care professionals

COVID-19 is having a significant impact on everyone, affecting not only the way we are working but also how we spend our free time. It is quite normal to experience feelings of anxiety during this time and it is important to take time to care for your own mental health and wellbeing. A mental health hotline to support NHS staff has been set up to support staff during COVID-19, you can call 0300 131 7000 between 7am-11pm 7 days a week, or text FRONTLINE to 85258 for 24/7 psychological support and advice.

World Health Organisation: Coping with stress: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-stress.pdf?sfvrsn=9845bc3a_2

Tips for health workers on coping with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: http://www.sageandthymetraining.org.uk/film/coping-anxiety-during-covid-19-pandemic

Running a staff support session for health workers during the COVID-19 outbreak: http://www.sageandthymetraining.org.uk/film/running-staff-support-session

Calm Together have put together a collection of meditations, sleep stories, exercises and music to aid relaxation and alleviate anxiety: https://www.calm.com/blog/take-a-deep-breath