St Catherine's Hospice has been commissioned by Surrey Primary Care Trust to provide a series of education courses for healthcare professionals caring for people with dementia. A five-day course entitled 'Managing end of life care for people with dementia' will run on Fridays, starting on 19th April. Laura Myers, lecturer practitioner at St Catherine's Hospice, said: "In this course we will explore ways to support people with advanced dementia, and their families. The course will clarify the effects of dementia, encourage participants to consider the importance of discussions about end of life care while the individual has mental capacity, and think about management techniques in advanced dementia. It will also cover dying with dementia, delivering appropriate care in the last days of life and considering bereavement for people with dementia and those who are close to them."

As well as the five-day course, St Catherine's has also been commissioned, in partnership with Surrey Care Association, to facilitate free study days for domiciliary staff providing care in Surrey. The aim of the days is to enhance participants' knowledge and understanding of end of life care for people with dementia and will be facilitated by Dr Gemma Jones (an expert in dementia care) and the education team from the hospice. The study days will take place in Crawley, Addlestone and Leatherhead.

For dates, prices and booking information, visit www.stch.org.uk or call 01293 447375.