Designed as a full-service hospice, Duchess of Kent House now has 16 in-patient beds, day therapy facilities, out-patients and a Bereavement Service. In the last 15 years over 12,000 patients have been treated and cared-for by the hospice team. This care continues after death for those relatives who wish it through the Bereavement service. All care is provided free of charge, according to need. As with all parts of the National Health Service there is never enough money to pay for all aspects of what we technically call “specialist palliative” care.