The programme is designed to support clinicians in having structured, meaningful conversations with people diagnosed with serious illnesses to identify their goals and priorities for care. Doctor and patient will then agree a treatment plan that meets the patient’s personal needs and wishes and, as far as possible, enables them to achieve their goals and priorities throughout their illness.

Consultant oncologists (cancer specialists) from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust in Merseyside, along with GPs from Airedale in Yorkshire and Southend in Essex, took part in the first series of National Training Days.

Dr Arvind Arumainathan from the Royal Liverpool University Hospital said,

“I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to take part in the National Training Day. The ongoing training and support provided by the programme will support me as a clinician to offer my patients the opportunity to discuss their treatment options, plan for their future care, and make their choices known which will be of huge benefit to them.”

The UK programme is a partnership between The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust in Merseyside, Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute Liverpool and Ariadne Labs in Boston, USA.

NHS England is funding a one-year pilot that will see GPs in the areas covered by NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG and Southend CCG being trained and using the programme, as well as consultant oncologists from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.