@ERSpublicationsFor patients with COVID-19, there is a moral obligation to provide good supportive care to prevent avoidable suffering. This article provides a succinct informative overview, clinical guidance and information sheets for both patients and families. https://bit.ly/2UPFsOj Cite this article as: Bajwah S, Wilcock A, Towers R, et al. Managing the supportive care needs of those affected by COVID-19. Eur Respir J 2020; 55: 2000815 [https://doi.

London was at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, with an exponential rise in hospital admissions from March 2020. This case study appraises the impact on and response of a hospital palliative care service based in a large inner-city teaching hospital. Referrals increased from a mean of 39 to 75 per week; deaths from 13 to 52 per week. Multiple actions were taken by the team to manage the surge in referrals, which have been categorised based on the 4S model: systems, space, stuff and staff. Several lessons are highlighted: need for flexible and responsive staffing over the 7-day week; implementing clear, accessible clinical guidance supported by ward-based teaching; benefits of integrating clinical practice with research; and the importance of maintaining team wellbeing and camaraderie to sustain change. Further evaluation is needed of the differential impact of changes made to inform service planning for future pandemics.