Hospice care is rated '˜outstanding'

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission praised the hospice’s work in a report out this week.

And staff at the hospice said they were ‘thrilled’ at the rating. Chief executive Giles Tomsett said: “This is a fantastic result for St Catherine’s and more importantly, a fantastic result for the people we care for.

“We’re proud and privileged to provide end of life care to support this community. We receive tremendous support in return. We couldn’t do our work without local people and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helps make St Catherine’s so special; our volunteers, staff, fellow healthcare professionals and supporters.”

The commission rated the hospice’s care, responsiveness and leadership as ‘outstanding’ and said areas of safety and effectiveness were ‘good.’

The hospice has 18 in-patient beds, a day hospice, a community service and offers patients occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, spiritual care and a nursing service.

In its report, the commission said that people valued their relationships with hospice staff and felt they often went “the extra mile.”

The commission concluded that staff were “highly motivated to offer care which was kind and compassionate and were creative in overcoming obstacles faced to achieve this.

“Bereavement services were tailored to people’s individual needs and were provided over a significant period of time.

“People’s spiritual needs were considered in the care that they received. Chaplaincy support was available for people and their family. Relatives were invited to a remembrance service once a year.

“Staff are exceptional in enabling people to remain independent and had an in-depth appreciation of people’s individual needs.”

There was a strong emphasis on continually striving to improve and staff also told the inspectors: “Quality is at the heart of this place.”

Anyone who wants to find out more about supporting St Catherine’s can visit www.stch.org.uk or call 01293 447361.