Glossary of terms

The brand of medicine dealing with the prevention and treatment of job-related injuries and illnesses.

An employer funded benefit intended to help employees deal with personal issues that might adversely impact their work performance, health and wellbeing. EAP include assessment, short-term counselling and referral services for employees and their immediate family.

Dying Matters is a coalition of individual and organisational members across England and Wales, which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement and to make plans for the end of life. The coalition is led by Hospice UK.

Palliative care includes support to those with an illness that can’t be cured, by managing pain and other distressing symptoms. It also involves psychological, social and spiritual support for the patient, their family or carers.

Hospice care is provided by multi-disciplinary teams of staff and volunteers who offer expert support which takes care of a person’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. This care and support extends to carers, friends and family before and after bereavement. Most hospices are independent charities, though some are run by the NHS.

A life-limiting illness is one which cannot be cured, though it can be treated, and which will shorten a person’s life. A terminal illness is one that is incurable however the effects of the illness can be managed so that a person can live with it for days, weeks, months or even years.