What Is Palliative Care?
Answer: In the UK, palliative care is an approach to care that aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families who are living with a life-limiting illness, by providing relief from symptoms and supporting them and their loved ones through difficult times.
Palliative care is delivered by a team of healthcare professionals who work together to meet the individual needs of each patient. This may include doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers and chaplains. The team will work with the patient’s GP to make sure they receive the best possible care.
Where is Palliative Care Available in the UK?
Answer: Palliative care services are available in most National Health Service hospitals and some specialist palliative care units in the community. Not all patients will require hospital treatment for their illness, but can be cared for in their own homes or other facilities such as nursing homes.