Liaising with out of hours nurses and GPs in order to obtain appropriate symptom relief during the night (repositioning, prescription of medications, administration of medications)

Administering ‘as required’ and ‘just in case medicines’ such as midazolam, diamorphine, lorazepam, glycopyrronium (qualified nurses only)

‘Going in cold’ to homes of new patients with very little prior knowledge in order to assess end-of-life care needs and report back to all concerned. Difficult as environment usually not suited to end-of-life care.

Liaising with family, GPs and funeral homes to initiate post death proceedings

Remaining with and comforting carers until body removed from home

Safeguarding, passing on to higher authorities any abuse of patients and carers detected during night time conversations

Acting as buffers between large families and patients who needed to rest

Challenging ineffective drug regimes

Pressure area care, general hygiene, comfort and reassurance

Offering counselling to distressed patients and family members