ADAM Kay, author of the best-selling book This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor, will open this year’s Mountbatten Conference in comedic style.

The funnyman and former medic is set to entertain around 200 delegates at the start of the two-day event, which is being held at Northwood House on Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1.

Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten’s chief executive, who will also appear as a speaker, said: “We are really pleased that Adam has agreed to perform for our delegates.

"His book is so hugely popular we hope many will be inspired to come along and hear some of his many anecdotes relayed in real life.

“I am sure Adam’s appearance will be a great opener for our conference, which is set to explore some really challenging themes for our sector.

"Mountbatten believes no-one should die without the highly specialised, expert end of life care which is part of what Mountbatten offers.

"Together we will explore how hospices can survive and grow in the current climate and we will invite our delegates to join our revolution, making a stand for the very best care for people who are dying, whoever they are and however they have lived their lives."

Other speakers include Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of Hospice UK, Dame Barbara Monroe, past chief executive of St Christopher’s Hospice and Marie Curie trustee, Barbara Gale, chief executive of St Nicholas Hospice Care and Dr Sam Kyeremateng, medical director at St Luke’s Hospice.

Another key theme will be around partnerships and how organisations can work together to reach more people, focusing on the new partnership between Mountbatten and Countess Mountbatten Hospice in Southampton.

It is the third annual conference and is an opportunity for the health and social care sector to share ideas on transforming services to meet growing demand. Early bird tickets are available until August 31 at a reduced rate of £80 for both days or £40 for one day.

To book, visit mountbatten.org.uk/mountbatten-conference-2019

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