European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care – Autumn 2026 – CLOSING DATE – 06 AUGUST, 2026

9 Weeks Distance Learning Programme

Introductory Evening -Monday 07th September 2026 6:00pm

Eligible to attend: Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Health and Social Care Professionals & Paramedics

The aim of the European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care programme is to improve the care of patients and enable health professionals, irrespective of setting, to practice the essential principles of palliative care. It endeavours to raise the profile of palliative care, engender confidence in healthcare professionals and foster communication between healthcare professionals.

This is an intensive nine-week, distance learning programme developed by Princess Alice Hospice in the UK. Milford Care Centre is the coordinating site for the Republic of Ireland.

All candidates are required to have:

• Possession of a relevant professional healthcare qualification
• Access to email, internet, and computer / laptop, with basic knowledge of using WORD and accessing Zoom meeting.
• Applicants must be working in a suitable practice setting e.g. in an acute hospital, nursing home, community or hospice and must have direct contact with patients requiring a palliative approach to care

As this is an intense course over a 9-week period, we highly recommend that candidates avoid lengthy holidays or other large projects/commitments during the course dates.

The course explores the main principles and practices in palliative care, some of which include:

• What palliative care is and who is it for?
• Symptom management in palliative care
• Patients with emergency conditions
• Care in the last 48 hours of life
• Breaking bad news to patients and families
• Bereavement and support
• Common ethical issues

It is estimated that these main sections will require at least 10 hours of work per week to complete, including viewing online content, reading the course handbook and reviewing the questions at the end of each section. An online learning site (https://pah.learningpool.com) has also been established to assist candidates with their studies- access to this site will be facilitated once the course commences.

Assessment is in three formats:

Portfolio – Based on a patient the candidate has cared for with palliative care needs that have challenged the candidates knowledge and skill.  The 2,500 word reflective portfolio should include the effect it has on both a personal and professional level. It should be supported by literature and demonstrate how the learning will influence future care.

Written examination: There will be a 45 minute online examination on content from the Course Handbook which will run on 11th November, 2026 – Remote assessment day – GMT 0930hrs to 1030hrs (latest)

Oral assessment (Viva): This is a short verbal assessment completed remotely  via Zoom, exploring the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course. – 11th November 2026 – Remote assessment day – A timeslot will be allocated to you between GMT 1100hrs to 1400hrs (latest)

Candidates will receive:

• A Course Handbook
• Access to a comprehensive virtual learning hub/website with library resources
• A facilitator through your ‘local’ site i.e. Milford Care Centre, who will support you with feedback on your reflective portfolio.

Key dates to consider upon successful application, these will consist of;

• Course launch – Zoom/Teams – 07th September 2026
• Candidate support sessions – Zoom/Teams
• Portfolio assignment submission in week 6 – via moodle site Learning zone
• Assessment day (written exam and viva) in week 9 – Zoom/Teams – 11th November, 2026

The assessment day is mandatory and you will need to ensure your availability for this.

Accreditation/CPD:

30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) approved by An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland).

90 Continuing Professional Development credits from Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

In order to book a place on this course, we need to find out some information about you, which we ask you to complete as part of the booking process. This includes your Profession, what sector you work in, your  postal address (including postcode), which we require in order to send you the course information pack.

Please read Terms and Conditions for this course – you will be required to confirm that you have read and agree with these terms when completing the course booking.

*Important: 

Milford Care Centre reserves the right to cancel courses and will provide a full refund to applicants where this occurs.  Please note that if you withdraw up to 10 working days before the start of the course, the course fees will be refunded less an administration charge of  €50.

*Notice- A processing fee of €7.95 will be added to the payment of European Certificate course bookings to cover Credit Card Fees. There are no fees for payments through electronic fund transfer (EFT). Please contact education@milfordcarecentre.ie if you wish to make a payment by EFT.