The Hospice presented five posters at this year’s Hospice UK Conference in Liverpool. The conference was called ‘Thinking Differently’. It highlighted the changing demographics of the UK, and the challenges that our ageing population presents for the health and care system. By 2040, estimates suggest that around 800,000 people a year will die – an increase of around 150,000.

With demand for end of life care services set to grow significantly, hospices will have an increasingly important role to play but will need to think about how to do things differently. We will also require strong backing and support from government and national health bodies.

Conference highlights included:
• Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, discussing trends in health and the future for palliative and end of life care
• Dr Daniel Harman, Consultant Community Geriatrician and Clinical Lead, describing an integrated approach to supporting people living with frailty
• A panel discussion on what hospices can learn from the Lucy Letby case, including a presentation from Dr Henrietta Hughes, Patient Safety
Commissioner for England
• A presentation on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in
palliative and end of life care by Dr Amara Nwosu, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Palliative Medicine, Lancaster Medical School.

We all felt very privileged to represent St Michael’s Hospice and share our work there. You can view the posters below.