We will contact patients if their procedure or outpatient appointment needs to be rescheduled, but they should attend a scheduled procedure or appointment if they have not heard from us. Find out more about Resident Doctors Industrial Action
Important Notice: Temporary Pause to Training (20 April to 23 July 2026)
Due to Trust-wide EPIC training and implementation, all Cancer Education Hub study days and training events scheduled between 20 April and 23 July 2026 have been paused.
We expect to resume our Cancer and Communication teaching programme in September 2026. Updated dates and booking information will be published as soon as they are available.
The Cancer Education Hub remains available for advice, educational support and one-to-one guidance during this period.
If you have any questions, please contact: plh-tr.cancereducationhub@nhs.net
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.
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
Choose the relevant financial year and complete the booking request form:
Cancer Education Hub Booking Request Form 2026/27
We’re happy to tailor content for your team. Contact us at plh-tr.cancereducationhub@nhs.net.
It is aimed at all health care professionals including (but not exclusively) to Drs, GPs, Nurses, ACPs, AHPs.
A full day of study led by the UHP AOS team.
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
Free for all UHP staff
New date to be confirmed later in the year.
To request a place on our course, please email shirleyharker@nhs.net
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.
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'
Cost of £450. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.
New dates to be announced soon.
To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.
Aimed at people in non-clinical roles within Cancer care including administrator's, receptionists, charity workers and volunteers.
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
The Cancer Pathway
Own wellbeing
An overview of Cancer treatments including Surgery, Radiotherapy and SACT
Introduction to Communication skills
Cost of £100. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.
Wednesday 7 October 2026, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.
Aimed at Healthcare professions working in Cancer Care including Cancer support workers, nurses, AHPs, pharmacists, physicists, psychologists and doctors.
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,
The Science of Cancer
The Cancer Pathway
Own wellbeing
An overview of Cancer treatments including Surgery, Radiotherapy and SACT
Cost of £100. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.
Thursday 17 September 2026, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
Thursday 26 November 2026 - Online - MS Teams
To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.
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 and Doctors.
An interactive day including discussions, small groupwork, videos and simulated scenarios looking at best practice for communication skills in a healthcare setting.
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
Reasons and impact of poor communication
Active Listening Skills
Working with Cues
Blocking and distancing behaviours
Importance of empathy
Facilitative skills
Developing your own communication skills
Cost of £150. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.
Wednesday 9 September 2026, Market Hall, Plymouth PL1 4PS
Thursday 1 October 2026, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
Wednesday 21 October 2026 - Online - MS Teams
Wednesday 4 November 2026, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
Wednesday 2 December 2026, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.
Healthcare professionals who provide care for patients undergoing Immunotherapy including Doctors, nurses, AHPs and Pharmacists.
A full day of study led by Nicola Jones (Lead Immunotherapy CNS ) to build knowledge on Immunotherapy.
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.
Cost of £100. Places for staff within the Peninsula Cancer Alliance will be funded.
New date to be confirmed later in the year.
If you would like to attend a course or have further questions, please contact plh-tr.cancereducationhub@nhs.net
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.
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.
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.
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.
Places for staff within the Peninsula Cancer Alliance will be funded by The Peninsula Cancer Academy.
New dates to be announced soon.
To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.
For anyone who is interested in lung cancer/mesothelioma.
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.
Free to all attendees
Friday 27 March 2026. Venue: : Future Inns Plymouth, 1 Williams Prance Road, International Business Park, Plymouth PL6 5ZD
If you would like to attend a course or have further questions please contact Christine Jones on christine.jones34@nhs.net or 0780817218
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.
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.
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
Free for all staff at University Hospitals Plymouth.
To register or if you have any questions, please contact us at plh-tr.cancereducationhub@nhs.net
Aimed at Healthcare professionals who support people undergoing radiotherapy, including cancer support workers, nurses, AHPs and pharmacists.
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
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
Cost of £100. Places for staff within the Peninsula Cancer Alliance will be funded by the The Peninsula Cancer Academy.
Friday 25 September 2026, Market Hall, Plymouth PL1 4PS
Friday 13 November 2026 - Online - MS Teams
We run several dates a year for this course across the Peninsula.
To request a place on our course, please complete the relevant booking request form above.
New medical oncology, clinical oncology and haematology registrars, commencing their ST3 training. Non-medical prescribers preparing to prescribe SACT for a given group of patients.
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.
Cost of £80. University Hospitals Plymouth staff places will be funded by the Trust.
Thursday 23rd April 2026
Venue: Postgraduate Medical Centre, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth PL6 8DH
If you would like to attend this course or have further questions, please contact kirsty.ainslie@nhs.net
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 and Doctors.
Mustard Tree, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth
