Short Courses and Study Days

Explore Our Short Courses and Study Days.

We offer a wide range of short courses and study days designed for healthcare professionals, administrative staff, and those working in private or charitable sectors. Popular courses run multiple times a year, alongside unique one-off events.

Aligned with the ACCEND Framework

All of our courses are fully aligned with the ACCEND Framework (Aspirant Cancer Career and Education Development). This national framework supports the development of the nursing, allied health, and support workforce caring for people affected by cancer. It provides a structured career pathway, core cancer-specific capabilities in practice (CiPs), and an education framework to ensure our learners gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to deliver high-quality, person-centred cancer care across all settings and stages of the cancer pathway.

Find out more about ACCEND Framework | NHS England

Request Your Place on a Course

Choose the relevant financial year and complete the booking request form:

Cancer Education Hub Booking Request Form 2025/26

Cancer Education Hub Booking Request Form 2026/27

Need a bespoke course?

We’re happy to tailor content for your team. Contact us at  plh-tr.cancereducationhub@nhs.net.

Acute Oncology Service (AOS) study day

Who it is for   

It is aimed at all health care professionals including (but not exclusively) to Drs, GPs, Nurses, ACPs, AHPs.  

What to expect   

A full day of study led by the UHP AOS team.

Topics Covered

  • Introduction to the Acute Oncology Service

  • The advances in Systemic Anti Cancer Therapies (SACT), and the impact on our patients and the NHS

  • Immunotherapy

  • Bristol Myers Squibb Immuno-Oncology Education

  • Acute New presentations

  • Oncology Emergencies

Prices

Free for all UHP staff

Date and place

Wednesday 26 November 2025

Post Grad Medical Centre, Derriford Hospital

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please email shirleyharker@nhs.net 

Advanced Communication Skills - 2 Day Workshop

Who it is for  

Registered members of staff at a senior or experienced level who have undertaken the Foundation Level Communication Skills (or equivalent). This workshop has been developed to enhance the healthcare professional’s ability to deal with challenging communication situations.  

What to expect  

Building on the learner’s sound baseline level of communication skills knowledge, facilitators will challenge and building the learners capacity for nuanced communication practice.  

This course is aligned with the ACCEND Framework , supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.
Core Capabilities Covered: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.10,

4.11, 4.12, 4.14, 4.15, 5.2, 6.1, 6.12, 6.13, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 & 11.7

  • Run in small groups (maximum of 10)

  • Based on the work by the Maguire Communication Skills Unit

  • Navigate complex and sensitive conversations

  • Deliver difficult news with clarity and compassion

  • Interactive simulation with expert facilitators and actors

  • Replaces our previous 1 day courses 'breaking bad news' and 'advanced communication' 

Prices  

Cost of £450. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.

Date and place  

More dates to come soon.

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Cancer Care Essentials

Who it is for

Aimed at people in non-clinical roles within Cancer care including administrator's, receptionists, charity workers and volunteers. 

What to expect 

A full study day giving an overview of the biology of cancer, the patient pathway and cancer treatments. The course aims to give essential knowledge for those working with in cancer in non-clinical roles. This will enable you to interact more effectively with patients and the friends and family who support them. The day is interactive and engaging with active learning. 

This course is aligned with the ACCEND Framework , supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.
Core Capabilities Covered: 1.5, 2.6, 3.8, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 6.1, 6.5, 7.1, 7.4, 9.1, 9.2, 11.8, 12.7, 12.8, 12.12, 14.1, 15.8, 

15.9, 18.1, 18.4, 19.1 & 19.5

Topics Covered

  • Understanding Cancer

  • The Cancer Pathway

  • Own wellbeing

  • An overview of Cancer treatments including Surgery, Radiotherapy and SACT

  • Introduction to Communication skills

Prices

Cost of £100. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.

Date and place

Thursday 16 October 2025, 9am to 4.30pm. Venue: Market Hall, Plymouth, PL1 4PS.

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Cancer Care Pro

Who it is for  

Aimed at Healthcare professions working in Cancer Care including Cancer support workers, nurses, AHPs, pharmacists, physicists, psychologists and doctors.    

What to expect  

A full study day giving an overview of the biology of cancer, the patient pathway and cancer treatments. The course aims to equip those working within cancer with a detailed overview of cancer care. We aim to make the day interactive and engaging with active learning.

This course is aligned with the ACCEND Framework , supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.
Core Capabilities Covered: 1.5, 2.6, 3.8, 4.7, 6.1, 6.5, 7.1, 7.4, 9.1, 9.2, 11.8, 12.7, 12.8, 12.12, 14.1, 15.8, 15.9, 18.1, 18.4, 

19.1& 19.5, 

Topics Covered

  • The Science of Cancer

  • The Cancer Pathway

  • Own wellbeing

  • An overview of Cancer treatments including Surgery, Radiotherapy and SACT

Prices

Cost of £100. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.

Date and place 

Friday 5 December 2025, 9am to 4:30pm. Venue: Market Hall, Plymouth, PL1 4PS.

More dates to follow.

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Foundation Communication Skills - 1 Day Workshop

Who it is for  

Suitable to all those who work in healthcare or related areas of practice. Whist several of the facilitators have a background in oncology and end of life care, these study days are suitable for CNS’s, support staff, community workers, primary care colleagues, AHPs, Drs and Consultants.  

What to expect  

Combining facilitator delivered content, small groupwork, group simulated scenario, video presentation and time to discuss challenges to effective communication practice. Also covers reflection on our communication skills and building confidence in supporting effective communication in the workplace (with colleagues, carers or patients).  

This course is aligned with the ACCEND Framework,  supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.
Core Capabilities Covered: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.10, 4.12, 

5.2, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 & 11.7

Topics Covered

  • Build confidence in patient interactions

  • Understand emotional responses in healthcare settings

  • Interactive learning

  • Two experienced facilitators

  • Learn core techniques for clear and compassionate communication

Prices

Cost of £150. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.  

Date and place 

Friday 14 November 2025. Location: Derriford Hospital, Plymouth

Thursday 11 December 2025. Location: Market Hall, Plymouth.

Friday 16 January 2026 Location: Derriford Hospital, Plymouth

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Immunotherapy Study Day

Who it is for  

Healthcare professionals who provide care for patients undergoing Immunotherapy including Doctors, nurses, AHPs and Pharmacists.   

What to expect  

A full day of study led by Nicola Jones (Lead Immunotherapy CNS ) to build knowledge on Immunotherapy.

Topics Covered

Learners will gain knowledge of the mode of action of Immunotherapy, early  identification and management of immune related and adverse events. Varied speakers including experts from dermatology, hepatology and endocrinology.  

Prices  

Cost of £100. Places for staff within the Peninsula Cancer Alliance will be funded.  

Date and place  

Wednesday 7 January 2025

Postgraduate Medical Centre, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Contact us  

If you would like to attend a course or have further questions, please contact plh-tr.cancereducationhub@nhs.net  

Level 2 Psychological Skills in Cancer Care

Who it is for

According to NICE, ACP-UK, and the ACCEND Framework, Level 2 psychological skills training is recommended for professionals who:

  • Routinely engage with patients experiencing emotional distress.

  • Are expected to screen for psychological needs and provide first-line psychological support.

  • Work in settings where referral to Level 3 or 4 psychological services may be required.

  • Are developing core capabilities in communication, psychological support, and person-centred care as outlined in the ACCEND Career

  • Pathway and Competency Framework.

This typically includes Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), and other experienced staff working in cancer care roles requiring enhanced psychological awareness and support skills.

What to expect

A two-day blended learning course designed to enhance psychological care capabilities in cancer settings. The course is aligned with the NICE Four-Level Model of Psychological Support and the ACCEND Framework, supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.

This course will be delivered by the Torbay Clinical Health Psychology team, with support from Andy Garner, Oncology Education Lead at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

Day 1 

Participants will:

  • Understand the NICE Four-Level Model of Psychological Support in Cancer Care.

  • Describe the key responsibilities and boundaries of Level 2 practitioners.

  • Understand the psychological impact of cancer across the cancer pathway.

  • Recognise and assess signs and symptoms of psychological distress and risk.

  • Identify common emotional and psychological responses to cancer, trauma, and loss (e.g. anxiety, depression, grief, trauma symptoms).

  • Distinguish between normal adjustment and distress that may require escalation to Tier 3 or 4 services.

  • Develop communication skills to support assessments and identify risk.

Day 2 

Participants will:

  • Develop knowledge and skills in applying Level 2 evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate psychological distress.

  • Apply knowledge to practice through case studies, role play, and experiential learning exercises.

  • Develop knowledge using screening tools to support assessment and intervention planning.

  • Explore opportunities for signposting and referring on to a Level 3/4 service.

  • Identify signs of compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma in oneself or colleagues.

  • Develop and implement effective self-care and reflective practice strategies to sustain wellbeing and professional effectiveness.

Prices

Places for staff within the Peninsula Cancer Alliance will be funded by The Peninsula Cancer Academy.

Date and Place

  • Day 1: Wednesday 13 November 2025 – Online

  • Day 2: Thursday 4 December 2025 – Derriford Hospital, Plymouth

Request a Place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Study Day

Who is it for?

For anyone who is interested in lung cancer/mesothelioma. 

What to Expect

A full day of interactive, engaging learning, featuring:

  • Updates on legal perspective in asbestos related disease.

  • Diagnostics and treatments for mesothelioma

  • Diagnostics and treatment for lung cancer. 

Prices

Free to all attendees

Date and Place 

Friday 27 March 2026. Venue: To be confirmed.

Contact Us

If you would like to attend a course or have further questions please contact Christine Jones on christine.jones34@nhs.net or 0780817218

Oncology Lunch and Learn

Who It's For

The Oncology Lunch and Learn is designed for UHPT staff working in oncology, including Nurses, Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), Cancer support workers and any staff interested in expanding their knowledge in cancer care.

What to Expect

Join us every 6 weeks for an engaging one-hour learning session during your lunch break. Each session will feature a different topic focused on oncology, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge. Feel free to bring your own lunch and participate in person in the Mustard Tree Training Room or virtually via MS Teams.

Topics Covered

The topics will vary each session and may include:

  • Innovations in cancer treatments and therapies

  • Best practices for oncology patient management

  • Effective communication techniques in oncology care

  • Recent advancements in immunotherapy

  • Handling oncology-related emergencies

Pricing

Free for all staff at University Hospitals Plymouth.

Date and Time

Oncology Lunch and Learn sessions will be held every 6 weeks between 1pm and 2pm in the Mustard Tree Training Room at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, with the option to join via MS Teams for those participating remotely. Specific dates and times will be announced in advance.

Contact Us

To register or if you have any questions, please contact us at plh-tr.cancereducationhub@nhs.net

Radiotherapy Study Day

Who it is for   

Aimed at Healthcare professionals who support people undergoing radiotherapy, including cancer support workers, nurses, AHPs and pharmacists.

What to expect   

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment - yet for many healthcare professionals, it remains a complex and unfamiliar field.

This engaging one-day course will give you a clear understanding of how radiotherapy works, what patients experience, and how you can best support them throughout their treatment. Whether you work in acute care, community settings, or specialist services, this day will strengthen your confidence and clinical insight.

Run by our training and education lead, Andy Garner, a registered therapeutic radiographer and experienced educator.

This course is aligned with the ACCEND Framework , supporting the development of core capabilities for high-quality, person-centred cancer care.
Core Capabilities Covered: 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.13, 1.16, 2.6, 3.8, 4.7, 5.5, 6.1, 6.5, 7.1, 7.4, 7.7, 8.1, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.5, 9.6, 11.8, 12.4, 12.5, 12.7, 12.8, 12.12, 14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 19.1, 19.2, 19.4, 19.5, 24.3

Topics Covered

  • Basics of Radiotherapy – what it is and how it works

  • The patient journey through treatment 

  • Specialist Techniques

  • Future Advances in Radiotherapy

  • Common side effects and how to manage them

Prices

Cost of £100. Places for staff within the Peninsula Cancer Alliance will be funded by the The Peninsula Cancer Academy.

Date(s) and Location(s)

Thursday 20 November 2025, 9am to 4:30pm. Location: Market Hall, Plymouth, PL1 4PS.

Thursday 27 November 2025,  9am to 4:30pm. Location Aperture House, Exeter, EX2 5AZ.

We run several dates a year for this course across the Peninsula. 

Request a place

To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.

Safe Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy Prescribers Study Day

Who it is for   

Aimed at doctors new to Haematology or Oncology who will be prescribing Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT), as well as pharmacists and Non-Medical Prescribers intending to prescribe SACT as part of their role.

What to expect   

Presentations will be delivered by various members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including Consultants, Registrars, Pharmacists, and Specialist Nurses. The day aims to enhance your confidence and understanding of the complex SACT prescribing process. Participants will be able to discuss specific issues and have the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the South West Peninsula. 

Topics Covered

  • Cell cycle and chemotherapy

  • Practical aspects of chemotherapy prescribing & dose calculations

  • Management of SACT side effects

  • SACT protocol development

  • Biological therapies – NIBs and MABs

  • Immunotherapy – Checkpoint Inhibitors

  • Safe SACT administration – extravasation & line management

Prices

Cost of £75. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.  

Date and place

Spring 2026 date to be confirmed. Venue: Postgraduate Medical Centre, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth PL6 8DH

Contact us

If you would like to attend this course or have further questions, please contact kirsty.ainslie@nhs.net

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