A Bradford care team working with dying hospital patients and their families is hoping World Hospice and Palliative Care Day will increase awareness of what they do.

The aim of the day - celebrated from the UK to South Africa, Brazil and Australia - was to celebrate people who care for those at the end of life and support families, friends and carers.

In Bradford, a team is always available to provide a holistic approach to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people suffering from life-threatening illness.

The unit, made up of a consultant, registrar, four nurses and a social worker, urges patients at Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke's Hospital to get in touch if they feel they need help.

The palliative care team mainly works with patients on the cancer ward but is available to anyone with a disease where a cure is probably not possible.

Dr Belinda Batten, consultant in palliative medicine for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are there for people who are at the lowest point in their life.

"We step back from the operations and treatment and help them as a person. We focus on what they want in the time they have left."

This help includes relief from pain and physical suffering as well as practical issues such as organising care for pets and help with the benefits system.

"People can talk to us about their hopes and fears," said Dr Batten. "They may want to get home but feel that people at home might not be able to cope so they think it will not be possible. We can make it happen."

Indeed the team even helped one patient go abroad to die so he could be buried with his only son. A key part of the work is helping with difficult pain which could prevent sleep.

"We have the time to go into real detail with the patient to find out what they have already tried and what we can do to improve things," said Dr Batten.

The team also deals with bereavement support and non-medical worries and can help bring families together to find out what their needs are.

The recent addition of a social worker means they can also offer help with things such as benefits.

The team can be contacted through ward staff.