Drama students at Inverness College UHI have teamed up with Highland Hospice for a poignant drama.
Third year drama and performance students took part in Homeward Bound, a 30-minute play charting one couple’s experience of palliative care.
The play went into production after the college was approached by Highland Hospice. Staff at the hospice were keen to see live drama used as an educational tool to help improve the quality of palliative care and the experience of those involved.
The play was performed to staff and nursing and care students with Highland Hospice providing commentary during the play to provide context and insight into the human experience at such a time.
It proved such a useful educational tool, the drama students have been asked to perform the play again at the NHS Highland and Highland Hospice Essentials in Palliative Care Conference at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, on March 12 and 13, where it will be filmed for use as a learning resource in the future.
Lesley Mickel, programme leader for drama and performance, said: “We were delighted to work with Highland Hospice to develop this special performance, which really highlights the human impact of late diagnosis and the importance of quality palliative care.
“Live drama is tremendously powerful and we’re very keen to explore other areas where we can develop educational links.”
Siobhan Neylon, Highland Hospice learning and development practice manager, said: “The hospice hopes to raise awareness of how the small things can really make a big difference to comfort at the end of life, and this play highlights the need for efficient and consideration communication in compassionate care.
“Although the play is in the context of end of life care, the learning outcomes can be used throughout the care environment.”
Homeward Bound was written by playwright Brian Daniels and tells the true story of Lesley and her husband Seth Goodburn, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 49. He died just 33 days after diagnosis.