On Monday 28th July, our Rossendale Community First Responder (CFR) team training session welcomed some very special guests—representatives from Rossendale Hospice and experienced palliative care nurses from East Lancashire. While the subject matter was serious, the session was delivered with warmth, insight, and even the occasional light-hearted moment.
The focus of the evening was a complex but important scenario: how CFRs might respond when called to a patient known to be at the end of life—but where vital palliative care information hasn’t been passed on to the ambulance service. It’s a situation that can understandably cause uncertainty, and the nurses did a fantastic job of guiding us through what to expect, what to look out for, and how to offer the right kind of support.
Various real-world symptoms and case examples were explored, giving us all a clearer picture of how best to manage these sensitive calls. From recognising key signs to understanding when (and when not) to intervene, the session was packed with practical advice and compassionate perspectives.
We also learned more about the broader work Rossendale Hospice does across the valley—supporting patients who choose to stay at home until the end of life, as well as those who may wish to transition into hospice care. Their dedication to ensuring comfort, dignity, and choice for patients was both moving and inspiring.
All in all, it was a thoroughly insightful evening. A huge thank you to the team from Rossendale Hospice and the palliative care nurses for giving up their time and sharing their expertise. We left better informed, more confident, and with a greater appreciation of the amazing work being done right on our doorstep.
For more information about Rossendale Hospice visit their website: https://www.rossendalehospice.org/
