The first ‘graduates’ of an innovative training course for care home staff, run by Trinity Hospice, have received their certificates.

Trinity Hospice was commissioned by the Cumbria and Lancashire End of Life Care Network to deliver the Six Steps to Success programme to all care homes in Wyre and Fylde.

The Six Steps programme was developed in the North West to support staff development to enhance end of life care within residential homes. The programme aims to ensure all residents receive high quality end of life care provided by a care home that encompasses the philosophy of palliative care.

There were eight workshops, each attended by a nominated care home representative, and two mandatory education workshops which were open to all care home staff and covered topics such as communication skills, advance care planning, the Mental Capacity Act, Lasting Power of Attorney and the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient.

The core programme covers six steps designed to improve end of life care in residential homes and looks at how to hold discussions as end of life approaches, the co-ordination of care, care in the last days of life and also care for the bereaved.

Vivienne Trott, Six Steps facilitator for Wyre and Fylde explained: “End of life care is so significant. You only get one chance to get it right, and many residential care home staff are of course on the front line of palliative and end of life care.

“Patient choice is very important, as is communication with relatives and loved ones at each step of the way.

“We have helped care home staff in Fylde and Wyre to develop their knowledge and skills and they, in turn, will share their skills with colleagues to help deliver high quality end of life care. The Six Steps programme should enable more residents to die in their preferred place and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

“It is very satisfying to see the first group complete the Six Steps programme, which will have far reaching consequences for families across Wyre and Fylde.”

The certificates were presented at a short event hosted by Trinity’s Chief Executive David Houston. The next cohort of care home representatives has already begun the Six Steps training.