What does Palliative Care mean?

Palliative care was first developed in the UK by the voluntary hospice movement in the early 1960’s. In 1987 palliative care became a recognised approach to care across a range of settings and is known as ‘palliative medicine’.

Palliative care is for patients with an advanced and progressive illness. This involves management of pain and other symptoms. It also provides valuable psychological, social and spiritual support.

The palliative care approach also includes support for family/carers. The goal of palliative care is to achieve the best quality of life for patients and their families/carers.

Some parts of palliative care may be needed earlier in the course of illness e.g. at the same time as having other treatments. This may involve symptom/pain control etc.