The problem of caring for the dying in a general hospital; the palliative care unit as a possible solution

The general hospital as a setting for terminal care has disturbing deficiencies: particularly, the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patients and their families are generally neglected. Consideration of the options for improving the situation led to the opening of the palliative care unit (PCU) at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, which is staffed by an interdisciplinary team with a positive and creative attitude to death and bereavement. The palliative care service comprises three areas of care -- the PCU itself, a domiciliary service and a consultative service -- as well as research, teaching and administrative functions.