Events

The last 48 hours of life 10 April, 1 May, Heald Green

St Ann's Hospice is holding 'Care in the last 48 hours of life', a twoday course to help prepare practitioners to recognise the constantly changing dynamics of care in the last few days of life.

Details: Pat Cowell, 0161-498 3631.

The principles of care 16 April, Coventry

An Age Concern training course on 'Understanding the principles of care' is designed for new care staff working directly with older people in a residential, nursing or day care setting, identifying and examining the principles of good care practice on which all interactions with individuals should be based. It is also suitable for established staff who feel the need of a refresher.

Details: Paula Morgan, 01543-503 660.

Asylum seekers 16 April, London

The Carers UK training unit is organising a course on 'Asylum seekers: accommodation and community care'. Its aim is to provide an overview of the support that can currently be provided to asylum seekers, to outline changes to community care obligations introduced by the Nationality Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, and to give up-to-date information on the relevant legislation.

Details: Carers Training Unit, 020-7566 7632.

Positive mental health 29 April, Brighton

'Celebrating positive mental health' is the title of the launch of the South East Development Centre, part of the National Institute for Mental Health in England network. Presentations include contributions from mental health 'czar' Professor Louis Appleby, Julie Waldron, chief executive of Oxfordshire Mental Healthcare trust and SEDC chair, and Richard Ford, director of SEDC.

Details: Alison Hood, 01256-376 394.

Dealing with alcohol 29 April, London

Alcohol Concern, in collaboration with the Health and Social Care Quality Centre, is holding its second annual primary care conference. Its practical focus is intended to help primary care teams increase their skills in dealing with alcohol misuse and PCTs develop the commissioning approach and evidence-based service provision. Speakers will discuss how tackling alcohol can help primary care teams meet government targets, the effectiveness of alcohol interventions and provide examples of innovative alcohol initiatives in healthcare settings. Delegates can attend a masterclass.

Details: Carlos Sanchez-Garcia, 020-7405 5000.

PCT commissioning 30 April, London

A conference on primary care trust commissioning combines strategic overviews from leading figures in UK healthcare with practical case studies of how commissioning is being successfully developed. The case studies represent Brent, Hillingdon, and Lewisham, together with North Croydon.

Speakers include Salford PCT chief executive Edna Robinson, National Association of Primary Care president Dr Rhidian Morris, and Dr Michael Dixon and Dr Lise Lewellyn from the NHS Alliance. The agenda is designed to allow plenty of time for discussion, debate and networking.

Details: EC conferences, 020-7505 6044.

Items are entered free for public sector, voluntary and professional organisations, but we need at least six weeks' notice of your event. Please send details to Uli Jaeger, HSJ , Greater London House, Hampstead Road, London, NW1 7EJ. Fax: 020-7874 0265.

E-mail: uli. jaeger@emap. com Due to pressure on space, publication cannot be guaranteed.