Exploring words and busting myths associated with palliative and end of life care. Over the course of 10 podcasts I am delighted to talk with Dani Aye season, we will focus on a word a week and challenge commonly held beliefs. Why? Because words matter - you will hear the impact of myths around words and we’ll share valuable resource.

In episode two we talk about Palliative Care, what it is, societal and professional taboos and the positive impact of early access to palliative care. Listen in and share the conversations.

Key messages

• The episode clarifies what palliative care is and corrects common misconceptions, emphasising it is not solely about end-of-life or dying.

• Palliative care is described as an approach that begins at diagnosis of a life-limiting illness and supports patients throughout their journey - including treatment, symptom management, and bereavement.

• The importance of accurate terminology is discussed, with Dani & Clare stressing how language shapes understanding and access to care.

• The role of palliative care in non-malignant conditions (such as dementia and renal disease) is highlighted, alongside the misconception that certain treatments are curative.

• Empowering patients and their families with knowledge about illness, care options, and Advance Care Planning is presented as essential to improving quality of life.

• Palliative care is positioned as holistic, focusing on the entire person (physical, emotional, social, financial), not just the illness.

• Most palliative care is delivered by generalist health care teams, not just specialists.

• Early intervention in palliative care and involving family carers are promoted as critical for positive outcomes.

• Useful resources on palliative care are discussed and suggested for further reading.

Resource

• Access the Clair Fisher legacy work hosted on Speak For Me

• Listen to the first podcast featuring Clair Fisher in which Clair explains the benefits of early intervention palliative care and Advance Care Planning: How to ensure your plans are heard with Clair Fisher

• Read Hope For The Best Plan For the Rest 

• Listen to the Waiting Room Revolution podcast 

• Podcast: Terminology and language around discontinuing dialysis with Dr Barny Hole & Dr Emma Murphy.  Listen and see show notes and resource.

• Podcast: Living and Dying with Kidney Disease with Dr Barny Hole & Dr Emma Murphy. Listen and see show notes and resource.

Bio

Dani Ayre

Dani is Matron and Lead Nurse for Palliative Care currently working at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. She has over 15 years’ experience in Palliative and End-of-Life Care (PEoLC). She previously worked in Gibraltar for over 8 years, implementing and leading a Hospice Outreach Service for the community of Gibraltar. She has also worked in the community in Palliative care and Long Term conditions and briefly in the acute sector. 

Dani has furthered her knowledge throughout her career by achieving a Distinction in her PG Certificate at Masters level in Palliative Medicine and completed 2 further Masters modules in leadership and education in Palliative care. She is passionate about raising awareness and educating on Palliative care and the importance of Advance care Planning  not only to Health care professionals and the general public.

Clare Fuller

Clare is a Registered General Nurse and has focused her career in Palliative and End of Life Care (EoLC) working clinically in hospices, providing clinical support and education in the acute setting and nationally to deliver the Gold Standards Framework Acute and Primary Care programme. Clare holds an MSc in Specialist and Advanced Health Care and in 2025 was proud to be part of the Parliamentary Palliative and End of Life Care Commission.

Clare has worked strategically in a CCG focusing on delivering the Workforce element of the General Practice Forward View and as a CQC End of Life Care Specialist Advisor.

In 2019 Clare founded Speak For Me which provides Advance Care Planning Education, Lasting Power of Attorney Consultation and support for people facing a life changing illness. Clare advocates for proactive Advance Care Planning and is host of the podcast Conversations About Advance Care Planning.