Role of children's hospices in caring for children, young people and families.

Children's hospices are central to specialist palliative care provision for the increasing number of children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families. These hospices provide holistic care through a range of services, including ongoing care from the point of diagnosis, at the end of life and into bereavement. This article outlines the services provided by children's hospices, while dispelling misconceptions that they exclusively provide care at the end of life. It also explains how these services have developed and evolved as a result of technological advances. It is useful for nurses to be aware of the role of children's hospices, so that they can support the effective care of children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.