IntroductionPain is not always curable but it affects the lives of millions of people. This essay reviews Essence of Care 2010: Benchmarks for the Prevention and Management of Pain (DH, 2010). In particular, reflecting on a practical knowledge of its implementation and its relevance to nursing practice. It is part of the wider Essence of Care policy, which includes all the latest benchmarks developed since it was first launched in 2001. It has been produced specifically to improve localized quality in healthcare provision. The document was chosen because I have a particular interest in palliative care and those suffering from chronic pain. Pain affects the quality of life, affecting a large number of people, especially those near the end of life. This essay will attempt to define what social policy is and will provide a brief overview of the selected policy. Examining the need for the policy, statistical evidence to support this. So the pressure groups that exert pressure and that may have had influence in the development of the policy. This includes the goals and objectives set out in the policy and then the analysis of a particular aspect of the policy. How this policy improves patient care and the delivery of patient care by nurses. Practically considering the difficulties related to the implementation of the policy in nursing practice. Along with delivery and evaluation methods. Body So ​​what is social policy? David Gill is often considered one of the most authoritative authors on the subject (1973 cited by Lavalette and Pratt 1997). For Gill it was “the exploration of access to resources that enhance and sustain life.” In his book "Social Policy" (Titmuss, 1974) Timuss suggested that "politics" is action-oriented and problematic...... middle of paper ......n.org.uk/__data/ assets/pdf_file/0004/269185/003542.pdf [last accessed 6/5/2013]Titmuss, R. (1974) Social Policy. London: Unwin Hymen publishers. Toofany, S. (2005) Nurses and health policy. Nursing management :(12)3 :pp. 26-30Winfield, H., Katsikitis, M., Hart, L., & Rounsefell, B. (1989). Postoperative pain experiences: relevant patient and staff attitudes. [online] 34(5): pp.543-552. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T8V-45WYV7R-7G&_user=10&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F1990&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=gateway&_origin=gateway&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C0000 5 0221&_version=1&_urlVersion =0&_userid=10&md5=35e6b5e8c8f803b487b35d4ae3b06cef&searchtype=a[[accessed 05/08/2013]World Health Organization (WHO)(2011). The WHO Pain Ladder.[online] Available at: http://www.who.int/cancer/palliative/painladder/en/. [Access 7/5/2013].