A new website, which aims to provide information about palliative care throughout Ireland, has been launched.

The site has been launched to coincide with Palliative Care Week 2015, which runs until October 31.

This event has been coordinated by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC). It aims to highlight that a palliative care approach improves the quality of life for different people in different care settings, including their own home, a nursing home, a hospice or a hospital.

The new website, The Palliative Hub, provides information for those with incurable conditions, their families, carers and the wider community.

"A palliative care approach may mean being able to spend most of the time at home and accessing hospice care when symptoms become too difficult to manage, or going in and out of hospital for specialist care when needed, or receiving quality of life care in a nursing home.

"We encourage patients, families and carers to talk with their health and social care professionals about having a palliative care approach included as part of their care," explained AIIHPC director, Paddie Blaney.

Palliative Care Week highlights the fact that a palliative care approach benefits the entire family, from offering advice and support, to providing respite, so that family members who are carers can have a rest.

The Palliative Hub website can be viewed here