Masterclass in Palliative Care: Dorothy House Hospice

Camilla Whipp – Community Nurse

I attended The Masterclass in palliative care at Dorothy House in January 2026.

As a Community Nurse, I am very involved with end-of-life care and symptom control. I have been on many study days relating to palliative care over the years, but this Masterclass was without doubt the most comprehensive. Although the day was quite medically heavy and aimed at prescribers, I found it very insightful and helpful.

Dr Mary Miller delivered most of the lectures of the day with compassion and clarity. She was also very approachable and took time to listen to others.

The lecture on nausea and vomiting was helpful regarding the assessment process and the efficacy of using lower doses of Levomepromazine.  Although I am not a prescriber I do work closely with our local hospice specialist nurses and I have already discussed this.

Non-pharmacological treatments for breathlessness were also a helpful reminder of how pacing and equipment can really help.

The lecture on oral health will definitely remind me to consider this essential element of care more and the benefit of considering saliva stimulants from simple sugar free gum to prescription meds and the use of Oralieve 360 degrees brushes. It is easy to leave this to the carers, but I will now talk to them about this important aspect of care of the dying person.

The most insightful lecture for me was on Opioid induced neurotoxicity. As nurses on the front line, we often alter doses depending on how patients have been over the past 24 hours listening to family members. I had not realised that Hypergalsia and Allodynia were signs of neurotoxicity and in the past, we have just increased the Opioid.

I will in future be much more aware of this and report back to the prescriber.

All in all, an excellent day delivered with compassion and passion.

Thank you