Palliative care is “the holistic care of patients with advanced progressive illness.  Management of pain and other symptoms and provision of psychological, social and spiritual support is paramount.  The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best quality of life for patient and their families.” (National Council for Palliative Care 2002)

The NICE Guidelines on Supportive and Palliative Care for Adults with Cancer were published in 2004 and the Network has an implementation plan to achieve the guidelines.

Palliative Care is seen in the Peninsula as a vital part in the delivery of cancer services and is provided by both NHS and voluntary organisations. These include six Hospices, four Primary Care Trusts and five Hospital (Acute) Trusts in the Peninsula. These organisations are represented on the Network Specialist Palliative Care Group, and are responsible for reviewing and developing Supportive and Palliative Care services across the Peninsula Cancer Network.

The Group is Chaired by Debbie Stevens, Consultant in Palliative Care, Cornwall Hospice Care