World Hospice & Palliative Care Day is an international awareness day that highlights the importance of quality palliative care and hospice services for people living with life-limiting illness. It recognises the role of care teams, families and communities in supporting comfort, dignity and choice at the end of life.
Why this matters
- Many people still misunderstand palliative care, believing it is only for the final days of life, when it can support quality of life much earlier.
- Good palliative care reduces pain, distress and unnecessary hospital admissions.
- Families and carers benefit from guidance, respite and emotional support during complex and exhausting periods.
- Early conversations about care preferences lead to better outcomes and less crisis decision-making.
- Access to palliative care remains unequal, especially in regional and remote communities.
Awareness helps shift palliative care from a last-minute response to a planned, supported part of health and end-of-life planning.
Event Co-ordination / Support
International
- Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA)
Global alliance coordinating World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, supporting more than 500 member organisations across over 100 countries to raise awareness, share resources and promote access to quality hospice and palliative care worldwide. - Advance Care Planning International (ACP-i)
Global network supporting advance care planning through education, collaboration, and the sharing of best practice across health, legal and community settings worldwide.
Australia
- Palliative Care Australia
National peak body representing palliative care providers and professionals, working to improve access to quality palliative care through advocacy, policy, education and collaboration across Australia. - Advance Care Planning Australia
National program providing guidance, tools, and resources to help Australians plan, discuss and document their future health and care preferences.
