ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the historical context of care of the dying, as well as the evolution of terminal care into the modern field of palliative care. It describes some of the services available to people with palliative care needs in the community, and the interface between primary care and specialist palliative care, in the context of ongoing changes in demography and organisation of the health service in the UK. The change in terminology from terminal care to palliative care reflected the growing perception that the palliative care approach would benefit all of those living with a terminal or life-limiting disease, and not just those in the final stages. Frequently the district nurse is the palliative care linchpin of the primary care team. Prompt referral to district nurses is extremely important for assessment of needs, family support and continuity of care.
