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The Wilkes Institute


Palliative and End of Life Care Education: Transition Simulation Course


Course description

 

This one-day, in-person training is designed to support healthcare professionals who work with children and young people with life-limiting conditions as they move from paediatric to adult services. Through a blended format combining focused teaching, clinical updates and immersive scenario-based learning, the day strengthens knowledge, confidence and interprofessional collaboration in managing complex situations during this transition period.

The programme is grounded in contemporary best practice for children & young people with palliative and end-of-life care and reflects the competencies required when caring for young people with evolving needs. The event provides a structured yet flexible opportunity to enhance clinical assessment skills, communication approaches and reflective practice.

Unlike other training, this course delivers simulation-based education within realistic clinical environments, enabling staff to experience high-quality, experiential learning usually reserved for specialist settings. Participants develop practical skills and shared understanding, promoting consistency, compassion and clarity to manage challenging situations.

It uniquely integrates realistic simulations, structured debriefing, and hands-on clinical application to equip participants to respond confidently and sensitively to urgent, emotionally charged or ethically complex situations. Its interprofessional design encourages shared learning across disciplines and sectors - strengthening communication, joint decision-making and continuity of care.

Topics covered

 
  • An overview of transition in CYP palliative and end-of-life care, including key principles and challenges.
  • Clinical considerations in neurological, respiratory and degenerative conditions common to transition patients.
  • Communication approaches for complex discussions, including advance care planning and treatment decision-making.
  • Cultural, legal and ethical aspects of caring for young people approaching adulthood.
  • Managing acute deterioration and urgent symptoms within transition pathways.
  • A wide range of practical, scenario-based learning exploring multidisciplinary teamwork in challenging or time-sensitive situations.

Key information

Suitable for:
  • Healthcare professionals supporting children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions during transition to adult services.
  • Registered nurses (paediatric or adult), allied health professionals, junior doctors, and members of multidisciplinary teams involved in palliative or transition care.
  • Staff working across NHS, hospice, community and social care settings.
Course type:
Face to face, simulation-based learning
Delivery mode:
Classroom
Course location:
St Luke's Ecclesall Road South Site, Ecclesall Road South, Sheffield, S11 9PX
Duration:
1 Day/ 7.25 Hours (8:45am - 4pm)
CPD Credits:
-
Cost:
Free
Catering Facilities:
Onsite facilities at own cost
Application status:
Open
Start date:
  • Friday 13 March 2026 - Fully booked
  • Friday 24 April 2026
  • Friday 4 September 2026
  • Friday 25 September 2026
Apply today

Course facilitators

The course is facilitated by Dr Anton Mayer, Helen Smith, Gemma Barker, Elizabeth Purnell, Amika Challacombe and Charlotte Clarke.

Dr Anton Mayer is a specialist Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant with extensive experience supporting children and families with complex and life-limiting conditions. He also previously worked as a Paediatric Intensive Care Consultant at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, bringing significant expertise in critical care and complex decision-making. Dr Mayer is committed to delivering compassionate, family-centred care and advancing best practice in paediatric palliative medicine.

Helen Smith is a Consultant Nurse at St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield with over 20 years in palliative care. Helen has supported both paediatric and adult patients across community and hospice settings, gaining deep expertise in complex, compassionate care. A Queen’s Nurse since 2015, Helen leads St Luke’s transition programme, ensuring smooth care pathways from paediatric to adult services. 

Gemma Barker is a Paediatric Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist and Trainee Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust. She has extensive experience supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families across hospital and community settings. Gemma is passionate about holistic care, symptom management, and empowering families through education and advocacy.

Elizabeth Purnell is the Lead Teenage Cancer Trust Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She specialises in supporting teenagers and young adults with cancer, ensuring age-appropriate care and advocacy within acute hospital settings. Elizabeth is dedicated to improving patient experience and supporting young people and their families throughout their cancer journey.

Amika Challacombe is a WellChild Home Ventilation Nurse at Sheffield Children's Hospital. She supports children and young people who require long-term ventilation, working closely with families to enable safe care at home. Amika is committed to empowering families, promoting independence, and ensuring high standards of community-based complex care.

Charlotte Clarke previously worked as an Assistant Practitioner in Paediatric Palliative Care, where she supported multidisciplinary teams in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to children and young people with complex needs. She is currently the Palliative Care Project Coordinator for the South Yorkshire CYP Alliance, where she leads collaborative initiatives to improve outcomes and service development for children and young people across South Yorkshire.

Payment terms

All course fees must be paid prior to attendance. Standard payment terms are 30 days from the date of invoice, or before the start of the course if the course date falls sooner.

Cancellation Policy
Please note that once a booking has been made and payment received, course fees are non-refundable.


Our courses

Read more about the courses we have available by visiting the main Wilkes webpage below. To speak to us about partnering on a new course, or support with course delivery please email [email protected]

More about The Wilkes Institute

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Contact us

To get in touch about the St Luke's Wilkes Institute, speak to us about partnering on a new course, or to support with course delivery, please email us at [email protected] 

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