Getting referred

A referral is normally made by a person’s own GP or hospital doctor. A district nurse may also make a referral to a community palliative care nurse, a Hospice at Home service or a Marie Curie nurse. People are usually referred to their nearest hospice or palliative care service, but in special circumstances out-of-area referrals may be considered.

When referrals are made

People may be referred for hospice care as soon as a diagnosis is made, not just at the very end of life. Once a person's palliative care needs have been met, they may be discharged from the service. However, they can be reassessed at any time after this if their condition changes.

Payment for care

Hospice or palliative care is free to all.

Find out more

You can find out more about:

who can get care
where care is provided
who provides care
who's who in hospice care