Depending on patient’s preference in place of care, palliative care can be received in patient’s own home, hospices, care homes and hospitals.
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Palliative care and end of life care is about improving the quality of life of anyone facing life-threatening condition, it includes offering physical, emotional, spiritual and practical care to people with terminal illness and in their last phase of life. On this page, we explain more about palliative care in south east London, including how to access it and where it is available.
Why Palliative Care is important for the people of south east London
Death and dying are inevitable. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ‘palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients (adults and children) and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness. It prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification, correct assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual’.
Palliative and end of life care must be a priority across south east London. The quality and accessibility of this care will affect all of us and it must be made consistently better for all of us. The needs of people of all ages who are living with dying, death and bereavement, their families, carers and communities must be addressed, taking into account their priorities, preferences and wishes.
Difference between Palliative Care and End of Life Care
Although palliative care includes end of life care, palliative care as defined by WHO is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients (adults and children) and their families who are facing problems associated with life-limiting illness, usually progressive. It prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification and correct assessment and treatment of pain and other problems whether physical, psychological or spiritual, palliative care can go on for years
End of life care, on the other hand, offers treatment and support for people who are near the end of their life. It usually starts to be offered to those who are thought to be in the last year of their life, usually having about 6months to live. The aim is to help someone be as comfortable as possible in the time they have left, as well as making sure that practical things such as Wills or wishes are sorted out.
Read below for information about how you will get palliative care.
Where will I have palliative care?
Who provides palliative care?
Across the six southeast London, there…
More information about Palliative care
Advice for caring for family or friends
Support with bereavement / Bereavement helplines
General advice and support can be found below:
Information and support
List and addresses of palliative care organisations across south east London
Out of hours services available
Referral
The person with palliative and end of life need can be referred by:
- Any health or social care professional, including hospital staff and care homes
- The patient or their family, if the patient has a palliative need
