BU Research Blog

Summary from our visiting professor lecture.

The Visiting Professor Lecture, delivered by Professor Bee Wee, CBE, titled “The Future of Palliative and End of Life Care,” was held on 5th February 2025 at Bournemouth University and proved to be a resounding success. The event brought together a diverse and engaged audience, including members of local communities, nursing students, nurse educators, researchers, health professionals, staff and volunteers from Lewis Manning Hospice Care, as well as prominent figures from NHS Dorset Integrated Care Partnership, Dorset Integrated Care Board, and the Burdett Trust for Nursing.

In addition, specialist professionals in palliative and end-of-life care from hospices and NHS Hospital Trusts across Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight attended the event, which provided a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among healthcare professionals and students working within this critical field.

Key highlights of the afternoon, apart from the keynote lecture by Professor Bee Wee, included a presentation by Cathy Beresford, who is investigating experiences of care in advanced liver disease for her doctoral research study. An insightful panel discussion, led by Professor Bee Wee, featuring recently graduated nursing students from Bournemouth University—Tina Smith, Julia Copson, and Christina Keeping. These nursing graduates shared their personal experiences as former BU/Lewis Manning Hospice Care Scholarship recipients, offering valuable insights into the practical application of palliative care principles in their new professional roles as registered nurses working in a hospice, specialist palliative care unit, and acute stroke unit in Dorset.

The event also included an introduction to the Centre for Wellbeing and Long-term Health, with presentations by Professor Sam Porter and Dr. Duncan Randall on ongoing research within the centre and various aspects of palliative and end-of-life care.

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s Lewis Manning Hospice Care Visiting Professor Lecture,” said Dr. Sue Baron, Principal Academic at Bournemouth University. “It was an incredibly enriching experience to bring together so many dedicated professionals and students who are passionate about improving palliative and end-of-life care. Professor Bee Wee’s expertise, coupled with the variety of presentations, made for an uplifting and thought-provoking afternoon.”

The event was a collaboration led by Clare Gallie, CEO of Lewis Manning Hospice Care, and Dr. Sue Baron, Principal Academic in the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at Bournemouth University. Together, they provided attendees with a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders in the field of palliative care, network with colleagues, and discuss future advancements in the sector.

Looking ahead, organizers are already planning future initiatives to continue advancing the discussion and research into the future of palliative and end-of-life care.

For more information about the Visiting Professor Lecture Series and ongoing research into palliative care, please visit Centre for Wellbeing and Long-Term Health www.bournemouth.ac.uk/CWLTH

About Lewis Manning Hospice Care Lewis Manning Hospice Care is a charity dedicated to helping people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across East Dorset. They promote acceptance, hope, and peace of mind, helping people to live well through their illness. The organization offers a range of services that prioritize quality of life and compassionate care. Lewis Manning website https://lewis-manning.org.uk/

Contact: Dr. Sue Baron Principal Academic in Nursing & Lead of Lewis Manning Hospice Care/Bournemouth University Nursing Scholarships in Palliative and End of Life Care Department of Nursing Science, Bournemouth University Contact: sbaron@bournemouth.ac.uk / cwlth@bournemouth.ac.uk Centre for Wellbeing and Long-Term Health Website @CWLTH_BU