Hospice care supports a person who has an incurable illness and those close to them. The care provides symptom relief, pain control, nursing care and counselling, depending on the needs and wishes of the patient and the services available. Most people think hospice care is only available in a hospice building, but in fact the ethos of hospice care (ie care of both emotional and physical needs) can be administered in a hospice, at the patient's home, in day care or in a specialist hospital ward. 

Normally your doctor or hospital consultant will arrange for admission to a hospice, and they advise you of arrangements. Hospice or palliative care is free of charge to patients and their families.

For further information on hospice care, or to find a local hospice :

www.hospiceinformation.info