The term ‘palliative care’ is used to describe care given to patients with advanced, life-limiting illness of any aetiology. It is a philosophy of care that is patient and family-centred, designed to meet the needs of the patient and family. Wound care for palliative care patients should be managed so that patient and family needs/concerns are the main focus of attention. Dressing products designed to heal acute wounds may not have the same effect on chronic, non-healing wounds. The palliative care goals of symptom control and psychosocial support can be transferred to palliative wound care for patients whose wounds will not heal. Nurses must become familiar with the concept of a stable nonhealing wound when providing palliative wound care. This article will discuss the principles of wound management in relation to palliative care. Declaration of interests: none