ABSTRACT
In cancer patients palliative care may start at diagnosis, although it is more usual for it to start when cure is no longer possible. In neurological disease such as motor neurone disease, palliative care can start at diagnosis for patients since their prognosis can be much worse than many cancers. 1100 children die each year from conditions for which there is no reasonable hope of cure: 40% from cancers, 20% from heart disease and 40% from other life-limiting conditions. Palliative care is the right of every adult and child and the duty of every professional. It is about the holistic care of adults and children with life-limiting and life-threatening illness. In children four groups are recognised: conditions for which cure is possible, but may fail; conditions where long-term treatment aims to prolong life, but death is still possible; progressive conditions lasting many years; and conditions causing severe disability which increase susceptibility to health complications which may cause sudden deterioration.
