t is recognised that there are “grey areas” and individual referrals may be discussed with the local specialist palliative care service to discuss their appropriateness. Specialist palliative care teams are always available to advise or support other professionals in their delivery of palliative care.

This document aims to provide guidance to health and social care professionals providing or co-ordinating the current and future care of people with life-limiting conditions. It is intended to aid professionals in assessing the current and future palliative care needs of patients with life-limiting conditions and in deciding when it is appropriate to refer to a specialist palliative care service.

This guidance has been developed as part of the National Clinical Programme for Palliative Care within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Division and has been informed by national consultation with multidisciplinary stakeholders.

Link to document: Palliative Care Needs Assessment Guidance