A Case Study of Volunteer Services in Palliative Care in the United Kingdom

The role of volunteers in palliative care has become increasingly significant. The historical development and practical experience of palliative care volunteer services in the UK offer valuable insights for promoting the sustainable development of such services in China. Drawing on field research conducted in the palliative care department of Oxford University Hospitals, this study uses Sobell House Hospice as a case to illustrate the specific practices of volunteer services in the Oxford region. In the UK, volunteer management and service development are overseen by professional managers, and the recruitment, training, education, and support of volunteers are highly professionalized and well organized. The development of palliative care volunteer services in China should prioritize professionalism, diversity, and participation.