An establishment that cares for the terminally ill and dying or for short-term care of those with debilitating chronic disease. The emphasis is on providing a high quality of life, and special care is taken in assuring relief of pain and other unpleasant symptoms by whichever methods are deemed best suited to the person's needs. Hospice care is widespread throughout the United Kingdom, generally funded by a combination of locally raised charitable funds and contributions from the NHS, with many of its activities and functions carried out by volunteers under the guidance of regular clinical staff.