Abstract
Around 600 000 people die each year in the UK, with the number of deaths set to increase to 736 000 within the next 10 years because of the ageing population. Although most of these deaths are predictable, people do not always die in their preferred place of care and may not experience a good death. Palliative and end-of-life care can vary and be inequitable because of socioeconomic and demographic factors, as well as the person's medical condition. Robust systems must be developed to meet the requirements of people who need palliative care and to avoid inappropriate treatment that may impact the person's quality of life.