Hospice and palliative care in the UK 1994-5, including a summary of trends 1990-5.

A survey of hospice and specialist palliative care services in the UK in the year 1994-5 was undertaken, enquiring about inpatient, home care and day care services. Over 500 questionnaires were sent out in June 1995 and replies were analysed by the Hospice Information Service. Details of admissions, deaths, discharges and length of patient care are given, as well as an analysis of ethnic grouping, diagnosis, age and sex of patients. The response rates to various parts of the questionnaire are tabulated and national estimates are made of the numbers of patients receiving palliative care from specialist providers. The survey is one in a series of annual surveys and the development of specialist palliative care services over the last five years is discussed.