This article considers the care of a patient admitted into a hospice environment for pain management and respite care. The concept of 'total' pain is discussed together with the need for a multidimensional assessment of pain to enable effective management to be accomplished. A multiprofessional approach to care along with inclusion of both the patient and her husband in decision making achieved the best possible quality of life for them both. A palliative care approach requires healthcare professionals to focus on the achievement of quality of life for all patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. This is achieved by providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, including psychological, spiritual and social aspects of care, together with the acknowledgement of patient and relative autonomy. Hence, the study also exemplifies contemporary palliative care in action.