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News • July 24th, 2026
|Martin House Children’s Hospice is set to host its very first dedicated conference on children’s palliative care on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. This important event will take place at the newly redeveloped hospice in Boston Spa, bringing together healthcare professionals from across the country to discuss and improve care for children with life-shortening conditions.
What is Children’s Palliative Care?
Children’s palliative care focuses on helping babies, children, and young people live as fully and comfortably as possible, while also supporting their families. Unlike many people’s perceptions that children’s hospices only provide end-of-life care, Martin House offers a wide range of services that can support children and families over many years. This includes everything from planned stays and symptom management to emergency support, end-of-life care, and bereavement services.
Aims of the Conference
The conference, titled “Inspiring Excellence”, aims to challenge common misconceptions about children’s hospices and provide practical advice for professionals working in various healthcare settings.
Charlotte Walker, Deputy Director of Clinical Services at Martin House, stated:
“By sharing the expertise developed at Martin House, we can help more professionals feel confident supporting children and families wherever they encounter them.”
Who Will Attend?
Healthcare professionals from hospitals, community services, GP practices, and ambulance services will gather at the event to share their knowledge and experiences. The day promises to be filled with insightful discussions, interactive workshops, and a chance to network with peers.
Conference Highlights
Some of the key features of the conference will include:
A simulation training session focusing on care after death.
Workshops on how and when to refer a child or family to a children’s hospice.
A guided tour of the new Martin House facilities, including its hydrotherapy pool and sensory spaces.
A panel discussion with the Martin House team, where delegates can ask questions and share insights.
A signing of Dr Michelle Hills’ new book, The Wrong Order of Things, during the networking lunch.
Why This Matters
The importance of children’s palliative care cannot be overstated. Martin House supports over 550 children and young people across West, North, and East Yorkshire each year. This care is crucial for families dealing with the complexities of life-shortening conditions. The conference is an opportunity for professionals to enhance their understanding of the support available and learn how to better assist families in their care.
Tickets and Further Information
Tickets for the conference are priced at £20, which includes lunch, and must be booked in advance through Eventbrite. More details can be found on the Martin House website, where additional information about their services and the Education Centre is available.
Jen Knell, one of the practice educators at Martin House, highlighted the broad scope of support offered, saying, “Many people associate children’s hospices only with end-of-life care, but Martin House supports children and families in many different ways and often over a number of years.”
For anyone involved in healthcare for children, this conference represents a valuable chance to learn from experts, share experiences, and ultimately improve the quality of care provided to young patients and their families.
Martin House has been providing vital support and care for children with life-shortening conditions since 1987. The hospice operates 24/7, ensuring that families receive the help they need, whenever they need it. With facilities that include a hydrotherapy pool, a wellbeing centre, and an education centre for training healthcare professionals, Martin House continues to be a beacon of hope and support in the community.
