Over 70 Healthcare Professionals Attend First Children's Palliative Care Conference in Yorkshire

This week, over 70 healthcare professionals gathered at the Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa for the first ever conference dedicated to children’s palliative care. This significant event took place on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, and aimed to enhance the understanding and skills of those working with children and young people who have life-shortening conditions.

Conference Highlights

The conference, titled "Martin House Children’s Hospice Conference 2026: Inspiring Excellence," offered a full day of learning and networking opportunities. Attendees shared their knowledge, explored practical approaches to care, and listened to expert speakers discussing the unique needs of children facing serious health challenges.

Practice Educators Mandy Thorpe and Jen Knell kicked off the event with an introduction to the specialist palliative care services offered at Martin House and within the community. This set the stage for deeper discussions led by Dr Michelle Hills, the Chief Medical Officer, and Clinical Nurse Specialist Helen Storton, who presented real-life case studies. Their insights were followed by an engaging panel discussion, encouraging dialogue among the professionals.

Expert Insights

One of the key speakers, Dr Naomi Taylor, along with Sinead McBryde, highlighted ongoing research and projects at Martin House, showcasing how the hospice is continuously evolving to meet the needs of its young patients.

Charlotte Walker, the Deputy Director of Clinical Services at Martin House, emphasized the importance of family involvement in children’s palliative care:

“Children’s palliative care is about helping babies, children and young people live as fully and comfortably as possible, while supporting their whole family.”

This quote underscores the holistic approach that Martin House takes, ensuring that not only the children but their families receive the support they need during challenging times.

Hands-On Learning

In the afternoon, participants engaged in practical workshops designed to build their confidence in handling sensitive situations, such as care after death. These sessions included guidance on when and how to refer children and families to a children’s hospice, a vital skill for healthcare providers working in various settings. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the newly transformed facilities at Martin House, including its hydrotherapy pool, which provides therapeutic benefits for the children.

Networking and Community Support

The conference was not only about learning but also about connecting with peers. Throughout the day, professionals had the chance to network and exchange ideas. Dr Hills even took time during lunch to sign copies of her new book, The Wrong Order of Things, allowing for personal interactions and further discussions about the challenges in the field of palliative care.

Impact on Yorkshire Families

Each year, Martin House supports over 550 children and their families across West, North, and East Yorkshire, providing essential services in the hospice, hospitals, and at home. The hospice offers a range of services, including planned short breaks, symptom management, emergency care, and end-of-life care. Importantly, all these services are provided free of charge to families, relying heavily on voluntary donations and fundraising efforts to cover the annual cost of £13 million.

The Education Centre at Martin House plays a crucial role in training healthcare professionals in children's palliative care, helping to spread the expertise developed there to a wider audience. This is particularly significant in a region where families may face difficult health decisions and need access to quality care and support.