‘Understanding End of Life care’ free health talk

Governors for University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) will be hosting a free ‘Understanding Health in the community’ talk on end of life care on Thursday 23 February at 2.30pm.

Dr Amy Pharaoh, consultant in palliative medicine, and the Forest Holme Hospice team will talk about what happens at the end of life and how to plan for a good death. Those attending the event at St Saviours Church, Colemore Road in Bournemouth, can also ask questions to experienced doctors and nurses and can view the various stalls while enjoying a tea or coffee. 

Dr Amy Pharaoh said: “Talking about death and dying can help us to understand what it might mean for us. This can enable us to plan for the end of life so that we feel more prepared and in control. It can also help us to communicate decisions and feelings about what matters most with those that are important to us.”

The presentation is open to everyone. To book your place or for further information please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0300 019 8723. There is disabled parking in the church grounds for those that need this and free parking in the road. The church is also on bus route X1, X2, 1a and 2.

Support your hospitals with the 2022 ‘Elf Dash’

Join Crackers the Elf at Branksome Dene Chine on 3 December for Elf Dash 2022 – a day of festive family fun, a visit to Santa, and food and refreshments courtesy of the Rapid Relief Team.

This year children are fundraising for children, with the dash supporting projects such as the Child Development Centre (CDC) playground appeal, creating a valuable space for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and long stay inpatients.

The CDC offers a multi professional approach to the assessment and treatment of pre-school children with a variety of developmental needs within Poole, Bournemouth and beyond. The team offer a family focused service that provides a safe and child friendly environment and developmental play specialists work with families to plan and deliver care which will enable their children to fulfil their potential.

Coles Miller are our proud Gold sponsors of Elf Dash. Nick Balchin, marketing director, said: “The Elf Dash is a fantastic fun event to get everyone into the Christmas spirit while enjoying the beautiful beach at Branksome. We’re very grateful for this opportunity to help the NHS, and to say ‘thank you’ in a tangible way that benefits local people. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the NHS, especially after what’s happened over the last two years. The NHS continues to face huge pressures, so we all need to help them – they’re always there for us.”

Ticket prices are £12 for adults, £8 for children (including Santa visit and gift), or £35 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children.)

For more information go to https://www.uhdcharity.org/elfdash or contact the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity office on 0800 019 4060/8449.

Light Up Our Tree - Remember a loved one this Christmas

Light Up Our Tree is your opportunity to remember cherished family members or friends who are sadly not with us today. Over the festive period, we know how important it is to remember those we have lost, whether or not a loved one was cared for at one of our hospitals. The names of your loved ones will be written on a candle decoration and displayed at either the Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole hospitals over the Christmas period.

James Keith’s mum Beverley suffered a severe stroke and spent 62 days in hospital during the pandemic, 55 of those were on her own due to visiting restrictions. She sadly contracted Covid-19 and passed away.

James said: “I’d like to ask you to support University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s Light Up Our Tree campaign because of the incredible care and support my mum, Beverley Keith, and our family received. Thank you to all the staff who were so dedicated to providing my mum with such outstanding care in the most difficult of circumstances. I have so many wonderful memories of mum’s breathtaking smile and infectious laughter.

“My mum was such a bright light in so many people’s lives. This candle I have purchased in her memory will represent the light she has left behind in our hearts.”

By donating to Light Up Our Tree this year, you will be personally helping us to provide the extra services and equipment for patients like Beverley.

You can make your donation and candle dedication by calling our charity office on 0300 019 4060 / 8449 or online at UHDcharity.org

As part of the Light Up Our Tree celebration, we would also love to invite you to our Christmas service on 14 December at 7pm at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 211a Wimborne Road, Poole, BH15 2EG. You can stay up to date with details about this service online at UHDcharity.org or by following @UHDcharity on social media.

‘Understanding common skin conditions’ free health talk – rescheduled date

University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has rescheduled its free virtual Understanding Health talk on Understanding Common Skin Conditions for Thursday 24 November at 5pm.

Dr Ian Pearson, consultant dermatologist at UHD, will talk about a range of conditions including eczema, dermatitis and acne.

Dr Pearson said: “So many people experience issues with skin at some point in their lives and many conditions can be dealt with at home with over the counter treatments or by changing daily routines or making lifestyle changes.

 “One of the keys to helping with skin problems is by identifying what the condition is and therefore choosing the correct treatment. In my talk I’ll talk through the symptoms of some of most common skin conditions and explain what can be done to alleviate symptoms. I’ll also discuss the pathway of care and potential treatments that may be offered where home treatment and over the counter medicines aren’t enough.”

The free event will run via Microsoft Teams and is open to everyone. The link to the event can be found here. There is no need to book, simply click on the Teams link at 5pm on the day. A recording of the talk will also be available on the website after the event.

This event was rescheduled due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the period of national mourning.