Palliative Care

Palliative care provides symptom control and psychological support for people with complex problems.   

The specialist palliative care team can be involved at any stage in an illness when symptoms are complex, but regular palliative support is offered when a person’s needs are changing quickly and moving towards the end of life. Bereavement support is offered for the families of palliative patients.

Palliative care involves:

• Complex symptom management 
• Psychological care for patients and families 
• Professional advice and support 
• Ethical decision making 
• Community liaison and support 

We know that improving physical symptoms such as pain and helping to address anxiety or low mood can make a huge difference to patients and their families.

With many illnesses, the emotions that are triggered while people are adjusting to the changes taking place can cause distress. The team aim to support patients through this time. We ask patients what is important to them, and take their goals and views into account when planning with them their ongoing care and treatment.  

We have dedicated palliative care teams working in Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and the Countess of Brecknock Hospice in Andover.  We also provide community services in Basingstoke and Andover.