Trinidad and Tobago – End of Life Issues

What end of life care options are available in Trinidad and Tobago, and how does the system work?

End of life care in Trinidad and Tobago is centred on palliative services designed to relieve pain, manage symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for those living with serious illness. Provision draws on a blend of public health authority resources, NGO-run facilities, and privately operated services, which means the standard and scope of care can differ considerably depending on where a patient is located across the two islands.

Each regional health authority in Trinidad and Tobago hosts at least one palliative care service, and nationally there are three in-patient units, two community outreach programmes, and two hospital-based out-patient services. The majority of these facilities are concentrated in Trinidad rather than Tobago, creating a geographic imbalance in access.

The bulk of day-to-day end of life support at home falls to family members, with formal professional carers playing a smaller role. For expats who may lack an extended family network nearby, this reliance on informal caregiving arrangements makes early planning for professional support all the more essential.

Although most people express a preference for dying at home, the reality in Trinidad and Tobago is that hospital deaths are the norm, and this trend toward hospitalisation continues to grow. For those who can afford it, private providers such as LivHealth offer home-based geriatric and palliative care services as an alternative to institutional settings.

What is palliative care in Trinidad and Tobago, and who is eligible for it?

Palliative care is a specialised branch of medicine focused on alleviating the symptoms, pain, and distress associated with serious illness. Rather than seeking to cure, it prioritises the comfort and wellbeing of both patient and family, and it can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage of illness — it is not exclusively reserved for the final days of life.

The Palliative Care Society of Trinidad and Tobago (PCSTT) works to reshape the care landscape for people living with life-limiting conditions and their families, pursuing this mission through expanded medical and social support as well as active advocacy. The organisation is equally committed to raising the standard of palliative care training and professional education across the country.

Palliative care services in Trinidad and Tobago are generally open to patients dealing with any life-limiting condition, not cancer alone. Access is usually initiated through a referral from a treating physician. Multidisciplinary care teams attend not only to a patient’s physical needs but also to their psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual concerns. Expats are generally eligible to access these services, though the specifics may depend on immigration status, funding arrangements, and geographic location. Consulting a treating physician or private specialist is the most reliable starting point.

Are there hospices in Trinidad and Tobago, and how do you access them?

Several hospice facilities operate across Trinidad and Tobago, though the sector is relatively small and largely concentrated in Trinidad. The principal providers are Vitas House, Sutton House Hospice and Palliative Centre, and the state-supported Caura Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

Vitas House was born from the vision of Dr. George Laquis, a former Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, who sought to create a place of comfort and dignity for patients who had exhausted all available treatments and faced a life expectancy of six months or less. Regardless of how brief or extended a patient’s stay may be, Vitas House aims to provide vital support through that final chapter of life. Although it was not the island’s first hospice — that distinction belongs to Living Water Community — Vitas House has been recognised for its contribution to training and developing the Palliative Care Unit at Caura Hospital.

In August 2014, PCSTT inaugurated the first state-funded palliative care unit in the Caribbean — the Caura Hospital Palliative Care Unit — offering a warm, home-like environment where patients can spend their remaining time in comfort. This facility was created through the renovation of a formerly unused building, undertaken in partnership with the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA).

Accessing hospice care generally requires a referral from an attending physician. Admission to Vitas House follows a process in which a referral form, completed in full by the patient’s doctor, is assessed by medical staff to determine suitability; a meeting with the patient’s next of kin is then arranged to understand needs and final wishes. Sutton House operates around the clock, every day of the year, working closely with healthcare providers to ensure individual care guidelines are observed and upheld.

Is palliative or hospice care covered by public health insurance or the national health system, or does it need to be funded privately?

Trinidad and Tobago’s public healthcare system is administered through five Regional Health Authorities. General hospital care is provided at no direct cost to patients, and certain palliative services embedded within public hospitals — such as the Caura Hospital Palliative Care Unit — can be accessed through this system. However, the publicly funded palliative infrastructure is limited in scope, and not every service is available without charge.

Patients are advised to check with their health insurance provider to establish whether hospice care falls within their policy coverage. Private hospice facilities such as Vitas House and Sutton House charge fees for their services, and the extent to which local or international insurance policies cover these costs varies. This differs markedly from systems such as the NHS in the United Kingdom, where end of life and palliative care are provided free at the point of use and coordinated through GP referrals.

Expats should confirm that their international health insurance policy explicitly includes palliative and hospice care. If you hold a locally issued policy, examine the terms carefully to determine whether in-patient hospice stays are covered. Contact your insurer directly to verify current arrangements, as both policy terms and state-funded service provision are subject to change.

What legal documents should expats have in place before the end of life in Trinidad and Tobago — such as a living will, advance directive, power of attorney, or healthcare proxy — and how do these work?

Trinidad and Tobago does not yet have dedicated standalone legislation governing advance directives or living wills in the manner that some other jurisdictions do. Nevertheless, it is highly advisable for all residents — and for expats in particular — to have the relevant legal documents prepared well ahead of any health-related crisis. Without them, medical decisions may be made by whoever happens to be present, or by healthcare providers unfamiliar with the patient’s wishes.

The key documents to consider include: a Last Will and Testament (setting out how assets are to be distributed); a Power of Attorney (granting another person authority to manage your financial and legal affairs should you become incapacitated); and a written record of your healthcare wishes — sometimes referred to as a living will or advance directive — which captures your preferences regarding medical treatment, life support, and end of life care.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Wills and Probate Act sets out what is required for a will to be valid. The document must be signed at its foot or end by the testator, or by someone else in the testator’s presence and acting on their instruction, and that signature must be made or acknowledged before two or more witnesses who themselves attest and subscribe the will in the presence of the testator and one another.

Powers of attorney should be prepared by a qualified local attorney-at-law and registered where appropriate. For healthcare decisions, best practice is to create a witnessed and notarised written document identifying your chosen healthcare proxy and setting out your preferences regarding resuscitation, life-sustaining treatment, and palliative care. Providing copies to your treating physician and the relevant care facility is strongly recommended. Engaging a local attorney ensures all documentation is compliant with Trinidad and Tobago law.

Are documents such as advance directives or powers of attorney made in another country legally recognised in Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad and Tobago has no specific statutory framework that automatically grants legal effect to advance directives or healthcare proxies executed in another country. In practical terms, medical professionals will generally try to honour a patient’s expressed wishes, but a foreign advance directive may not carry the same legal force as it would in the jurisdiction where it was originally made.

The legal framework governing estate planning and administration in Trinidad and Tobago was historically shaped by older United Kingdom legislation. This shared Commonwealth heritage means that powers of attorney granted in Commonwealth countries may receive a degree of recognition, but this should never be taken for granted. Where the deceased was domiciled in a Commonwealth country such as England, Canada, or Barbados, the applicant must confirm whether a grant was obtained in that country; if so, an application for resealing is made in Trinidad and Tobago.

The most prudent course of action for expats is to have all legal documents — including powers of attorney and healthcare preference statements — reviewed by a Trinidad and Tobago attorney-at-law and, wherever possible, redrawn or supplemented to reflect local requirements. Keep certified copies of important documents readily accessible, and make sure that both your next of kin and healthcare providers hold copies. For financial powers of attorney in particular, professional legal advice is indispensable to confirm their effectiveness within the local jurisdiction.

What are the laws around euthanasia or assisted dying in Trinidad and Tobago?

Both euthanasia and assisted dying are unlawful in Trinidad and Tobago. No legislation exists to permit physician-assisted death, assisted suicide, or active euthanasia in any form. The country’s legal and ethical framework reflects deeply held traditional religious and social values, and there has been no significant movement in the legislature toward changing this position.

Palliative sedation — the administration of medication to reduce a patient’s level of consciousness and relieve suffering in terminal cases — is a recognised and accepted medical practice, quite distinct from euthanasia, and is available within the palliative care system. Healthcare providers are also permitted to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatment that is considered futile or not in the patient’s best interests, in accordance with established medical ethics.

Expats arriving from jurisdictions where assisted dying is legally permitted — such as Canada, the Netherlands, or certain Australian states — should understand that those entitlements do not carry over to Trinidad and Tobago. If you hold strong views about end of life interventions, it is essential to discuss them openly with your physician and to record your wishes clearly in writing.

What are the local customs, traditions, and religious practices around death and dying in Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural character is reflected in the wide variety of customs and practices observed when someone passes away. The population encompasses substantial Christian, Hindu, and Muslim communities, as well as practitioners of African spiritual traditions such as the Spiritual Baptist and Orisha faiths, each bringing its own distinct approach to mourning and burial.

A wake — a gathering of family, friends, and community members held after a death — provides an occasion for mourners to pay their respects to the bereaved family and, in many cases, to view the body. Wakes can extend over several days. In many Trinidadian and Tobagonian households, the wake is an intensely communal occasion: neighbours, friends, and members of the wider community are expected to attend, and the family customarily provides food and drink throughout.

Funeral services are commonly held as religious ceremonies in a church or place of worship, incorporating prayers, hymns, and scriptural readings. Hindu funerals observe specific rites, with cremation — often conducted at a riverside or designated cremation site — playing a central role, and observances may span a number of days. Muslim burials are carried out as promptly as possible, ideally within 24 hours of death; the body is washed, wrapped in a white shroud, and where possible interred without a coffin.

Family and community involvement are woven through every stage of the end of life process in Trinidad and Tobago, and a range of traditions exist to honour the person who has died. Expats should approach these customs with sensitivity and, where relevant, communicate their own cultural and religious preferences clearly to family members and healthcare providers well in advance.

What must you do when someone dies in Trinidad and Tobago? Who do you notify, how quickly, and in what order?

When a death occurs in Trinidad and Tobago, a defined sequence of actions must be followed promptly. Acting without delay is critical, since both the legal requirement to register the death and the practical process of making funeral arrangements depend on securing the correct documentation as quickly as possible.

1. Obtain a medical certificate of cause of death. If the person died in hospital, the attending physician will issue this document. If death occurred at home or the cause is unclear, a doctor must be contacted without delay. A post-mortem may be required in Trinidad and Tobago if the cause of death is unknown, unnatural, sudden, or violent; a certified pathologist will usually carry this out within 2 to 3 days of the body arriving at the mortuary.
2. Notify next of kin. Contact the deceased’s immediate family members as soon as possible. If the deceased was a foreign national living alone, contacting the relevant embassy or consulate should be treated as a priority step (see the section on foreign nationals below).
3. Contact the police if the death is sudden or unexplained. Sudden, violent, or suspicious deaths must be reported to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. The body should not be moved until the authorities have given authorisation to do so.
4. Register the death immediately at the nearest District Registrar. The registration of deaths in Trinidad and Tobago is provided for in the Registration of Births and Deaths Act Ch 44:01, which dictates that the death of every person dying in Trinidad and Tobago, and the cause of that death, shall be registered by the Registrar. Registration must take place immediately at the District Registrar nearest to where the death occurred.
5. Do not arrange burial or cremation before registration. A burial or cremation should not take place without first registering the death of the deceased.
6. Obtain the death certificate. A certificate of death (Form 20A) will be issued by the District Registrar and may be used for official purposes until the Registrar General issues the formal death certificate. This form must be certified by the Registrar General at a cost of TT$5.
7. Notify the deceased’s insurer. If the person who died held insurance, contact the insurance company as soon as possible and refer to general guidance on what to do when someone dies abroad.
8. Engage a licensed funeral director. Contact a local funeral home to begin arrangements for burial, cremation, or repatriation of the body.
9. Notify relevant institutions. This includes the NIB Pensions Division, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (Voter’s List), and other applicable institutions, as well as assisting surviving dependants in applying for social welfare benefits such as Widows and Orphans benefits.

How is a death officially registered in Trinidad and Tobago, and what documents are needed?

The Registrar General’s Department carries responsibility for registering deaths and issuing death certificates. Registration is carried out by designated District Registrars of Births and Deaths, appointed under Section 8 of the Act and stationed at offices throughout Trinidad and Tobago. District Registrars are also present at major hospitals, which simplifies the registration of deaths that occur in a hospital setting.

The documentation required at the point of registration includes: the medical certificate completed and issued by the attending doctor; and identification belonging to the deceased — such as an identification card, driver’s permit, passport, or birth certificate.

There is no fee for registering a death. Death certificates are priced at TT$25 each (as of 2025) and are typically issued within five working days. It is advisable to obtain several certified copies, since they will be needed for probate proceedings, insurance claims, and any repatriation process.

The Civil Registry of the Registrar General’s Department is located at AGLA Tower, Government Plaza, corner of London and Richmond Streets, Port of Spain, or at the District Warden’s Office. Further guidance is available on the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs website.

What happens if a foreign national dies in Trinidad and Tobago — what are the specific steps for notifying their home country’s embassy or consulate, and what role does the consulate play?

When a foreign national passes away in Trinidad and Tobago, whoever is managing affairs should notify the deceased’s home country embassy or consulate as promptly as possible — ideally at the same time as completing local death registration. Most major nations maintain diplomatic missions in Port of Spain.

The consulate’s function is advisory and supportive rather than administrative. It can supply a list of local funeral directors and attorneys, assist in reaching next of kin overseas, and provide guidance throughout the repatriation process. Where the Trinidad and Tobago legal system must be navigated in connection with the death, a local lawyer may be needed; the embassy or consulate cannot offer legal advice or meet legal costs on your behalf.

For British nationals, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides detailed guidance on what to do when a British person dies in Trinidad and Tobago. If you wish, you can register the death with the Overseas Registration Unit (ORU) and receive a UK-format death certificate known as a Consular Death Registration certificate; the ORU will forward a record to the General Register Office. Other countries offer comparable services — consult your government’s foreign affairs website for country-specific guidance.

Where the deceased was suffering from an infectious condition such as hepatitis or HIV, local authorities must be informed so that appropriate precautionary measures can be taken. The consulate can assist in facilitating communication with local health authorities in such circumstances.

How are funerals typically arranged in Trinidad and Tobago, and what are the usual options for burial or cremation?

Funeral arrangements in Trinidad and Tobago are typically handled through licensed private funeral homes, which manage the entire process from collecting the body and carrying out embalming through to burial or cremation. Funeral directors operate in most towns and are well practised in handling arrangements for both residents and foreign nationals.

Both burial and cremation are widely available. Burial remains the most common choice, with cemeteries maintained by municipal corporations and religious organisations across both islands. Cremation is favoured by a significant portion of the Hindu community and is increasingly selected by others. Cremation facilities exist in Trinidad, and your funeral director can advise on availability and scheduling.

The choice of funeral rites should reflect the deceased’s stated wishes, cultural background, and religious tradition. Hospice providers typically offer a range of support services including pain management, symptom control, emotional and spiritual care, and respite care for caregivers; hospice care may be provided in the patient’s home, in a hospital, or in a nursing home. If you are making arrangements from abroad as a bereaved family member, involving a local funeral director and attorney at the earliest opportunity is essential to prevent delays.

If the deceased held travel or life insurance, the insurer may appoint a funeral director in Trinidad and Tobago and could also cover the cost of repatriating the body, as well as contributing to medical, legal, interpretation, and translation expenses. Always review the policy documentation carefully to understand what is covered.

What are the approximate costs of a funeral in Trinidad and Tobago, and are there any state or insurance-based funds that can help cover them?

Funeral costs in Trinidad and Tobago vary considerably based on the type of service chosen, the funeral home engaged, and whether burial or cremation is preferred. A basic burial with a simple coffin, transportation, and standard services typically falls in the range of approximately TT$10,000 to TT$25,000 (roughly US$1,500–US$3,700 as of 2025), while more elaborate arrangements — including a premium casket, hearse, wake catering, and church service — can cost substantially more. Cremation is generally the less expensive option. These figures are indicative only; current costs should be confirmed directly with local funeral homes, as pricing is subject to change.

There is no state-funded funeral grant equivalent to schemes such as the UK’s Funeral Expenses Payment or Australia’s bereavement payment. However, the National Insurance Board (NIB) of Trinidad and Tobago provides a Death Benefit — a lump sum payable to eligible dependants of deceased insured contributors. The amount is determined by the contributor’s payment history. Refer to the NIB website for current benefit rates and eligibility conditions, as these may be revised periodically.

Surviving dependants may also be entitled to apply for social welfare support such as Widows and Orphans benefits through relevant state bodies. For expats, eligibility for these benefits depends on whether the deceased was paying into the local national insurance system. Many expats rely on private life insurance or travel insurance policies to meet funeral and repatriation costs — ensuring that adequate cover is in place well before any health crisis becomes essential.

What is the process for repatriating the remains of a foreign national from Trinidad and Tobago to another country?

Repatriating a body from Trinidad and Tobago requires close coordination between a local funeral director, the Registrar General’s Department, and the destination country’s import requirements. The process typically takes one to two weeks in straightforward cases, though complications such as a post-mortem requirement, missing documentation, or airline scheduling constraints can extend this timeframe considerably.

The key steps involved include: obtaining the local death certificate; having the body embalmed to meet international transit standards; securing a freedom from infection certificate or equivalent documentation from the local health authority; obtaining any required exit permit or authorisation from the relevant authorities; and arranging international air freight through a licensed carrier. The deceased’s home country consulate can offer guidance and assistance throughout this process.

If you are travelling with cremated remains when leaving Trinidad and Tobago, you will need the medical certificate stating the cause of death, signed by the attending doctor. Ashes can also be dispatched via air freight, though this can be costly. It is advisable to check with your airline regarding any specific restrictions before travelling.

If the deceased had insurance coverage, the insurer may bear the cost of repatriation and assist with medical, legal, interpretation, and translation expenses. Engaging a funeral director experienced in international repatriation — and alerting your insurer as early as possible — will help minimise delays and unexpected expenditure. Always confirm current documentary requirements with the receiving country’s embassy in Trinidad and Tobago before proceeding.

What happens to the estate of someone who dies in Trinidad and Tobago — how does probate or estate administration work, and are there inheritance taxes?

Before the estate of a deceased person in Trinidad and Tobago can be administered, an executor or administrator must first obtain a grant of representation from the courts. This grant is issued by the Probate Registry of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Trinidad and Tobago.

Where the deceased left a valid will, the named executor applies for a Grant of Probate. If no will exists, or if the executor named in the will is unwilling or unable to act, the next of kin must apply for Letters of Administration. A grant of probate requires an application made by an attorney-at-law where the value of the estate exceeds TT$4,800.00. Given how low this threshold is, virtually every estate will require legal representation.

Grants of representation issued by the Probate Registry of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Trinidad and Tobago relate only to assets situated in Trinidad and Tobago; foreign assets will not be accepted in the inventory of assets submitted to the local registry and must be addressed separately under the laws of each relevant jurisdiction.

Significantly, there is no inheritance tax or estate duty in Trinidad and Tobago (as of 2025). Estate duty was abolished, meaning that beneficiaries do not face a tax liability simply by virtue of inheriting assets. Other taxes — such as property transfer tax — may nonetheless apply to certain asset transfers. The current tax position should be verified with a local attorney or accountant, as legislation is always subject to amendment.

For estates where the deceased was domiciled outside Trinidad and Tobago, if domiciled in a Commonwealth country such as England, Canada, or Barbados, the applicant must confirm whether a grant was obtained in that Commonwealth country — if so, an application for resealing is made in Trinidad and Tobago; a limited grant cannot be resealed without a court order.

If an expat dies without a will in Trinidad and Tobago, what happens to their assets under local intestacy laws?

When a person dies without a valid will — a situation described as dying intestate — assets held in Trinidad and Tobago are distributed in accordance with the intestacy provisions of the Administration of Estates Act. These rules follow a prescribed order of beneficiaries, giving priority to the surviving spouse and children before moving to more distant relatives in descending order of kinship.

In broad terms, if the deceased is survived by both a spouse and children, the estate is apportioned among them according to the statutory shares defined in the legislation. Where there are no children, the surviving spouse may inherit the entire estate or share it with the deceased’s parents, depending on the particular circumstances. If there is neither a surviving spouse nor direct descendants, more distant relatives may inherit; where no eligible relatives can be identified, the state may claim the estate.

For expats, dying intestate in Trinidad and Tobago carries particular risks — especially where assets are held in more than one country, family members live overseas, or the intestacy provisions do not reflect what the deceased would actually have wanted. Obtaining Letters of Administration without a will can also be a lengthier and more complex undertaking than probating a valid will. This makes the preparation of a clear, locally valid will one of the most important practical steps any expat living in Trinidad and Tobago can take.

Bereaved family members confronted with an intestate estate should engage a Trinidad and Tobago attorney-at-law without delay to guide them through the administration process. Support groups and counselling organisations are also available throughout the country for those struggling with grief and the practical burden of losing a loved one.

Frequently asked questions

Will my foreign health insurance be accepted by hospitals and hospices in Trinidad and Tobago?

Many private hospitals and hospices in Trinidad and Tobago are willing to work with international health insurance, but you should verify this with the facility directly before seeking admission. Some providers require payment upfront and will process a reimbursement claim afterwards, while others are able to bill your insurer directly. Always keep your insurance documentation and your insurer’s emergency contact number within reach. Public hospitals will provide care regardless of insurance status, though the range of palliative services on offer through the public system may be limited.

Do I need documents in a specific language to register a death in Trinidad and Tobago?

English is the official language of Trinidad and Tobago, and all civil registration procedures are conducted in English. If documents relating to the deceased — such as a foreign-issued passport or birth certificate — are in another language, a certified translation may be required before they can be accepted. If you are uncertain whether a particular foreign document needs to be translated, consult the Registrar General’s Department or seek advice from a local attorney.

How long does repatriating remains from Trinidad and Tobago typically take?

Where the cause of death is clearly established and all required documentation is in order, repatriation can generally be completed within one to two weeks. If a post-mortem is necessary, a certified pathologist will usually carry out the examination within 2 to 3 days of the body arriving at the mortuary, which adds to the overall timeframe. Further delays may result from airline scheduling, incomplete paperwork, or the need for additional certificates from the health authorities. Appointing an experienced local funeral director and notifying your insurer promptly are the most effective steps you can take to keep the process on track.

What support is available to bereaved family members in Trinidad and Tobago?

A range of support groups and organisations across Trinidad and Tobago provide counselling and practical assistance for those navigating bereavement. Religious communities — including churches, mandirs, and mosques — frequently offer pastoral care, and hospice organisations such as Vitas House and Sutton House provide bereavement support resources. Some embassies and consulates also maintain lists of counselling services accessible to foreign nationals. Your GP can provide a referral to mental health professionals or grief counselling services if you require more structured support.

Can a foreign will be used in Trinidad and Tobago to administer a local estate?

A will executed in another country may be accepted in Trinidad and Tobago, but whether and how it is recognised depends on the deceased’s domicile and whether the document satisfies local validity requirements. Where the deceased was domiciled in a Commonwealth country, the applicant must establish whether a grant was obtained in that country; if so, an application for resealing is made in Trinidad and Tobago. For non-Commonwealth domiciles the process may be more involved. Legal advice from a local attorney is essential to identify the most practical route for administering the estate.

Is there a time limit for registering a death in Trinidad and Tobago?

Late registration is defined as registration occurring more than one year after the date of death. While the law calls for immediate registration, late registration remains possible but entails a more involved procedure. Any registration sought more than one year after the death requires an affidavit explaining the reason for the delay. Registering as promptly as possible is always the preferred course of action in order to avoid these additional steps.

What happens to a foreign national’s belongings after they die in Trinidad and Tobago?

Personal belongings present at the time of death are normally handed to the next of kin or to the Trinidad and Tobago police. If the body is being repatriated, the funeral director can be asked to collect the deceased’s effects and transport them together with the remains. Where the deceased was a resident of Trinidad and Tobago, it may not be possible to take possession of belongings immediately, as they may form part of the estate subject to administration. If there is an investigation into the circumstances of the death, belongings may be retained as evidence and will only be returned once any court proceedings have concluded.

Does Trinidad and Tobago have a national hospice or palliative care association I can contact for guidance?

Yes. The Palliative Care Society of Trinidad and Tobago (PCSTT) is the country’s principal organisation dedicated to palliative care advocacy, education, and service delivery. PCSTT’s mission is to reshape the care available to people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families through expanded medical and social support, as well as sustained advocacy efforts. The organisation holds affiliations with the Caribbean Palliative Care Association (CARIPALCA) and the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC). You can also contact regional health authorities directly to enquire about publicly funded palliative care services in your area.