St Clare Hospice has been rated ‘Outstanding’ following a routine inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The Hastingwood-based hospice was inspected on December 3 and 11 in 2019, where 18 members of staff, were interviewed.

A full report was officially published on Monday March 23.

This is an improved rating since the hospice’s last inspection, which took place in October 2016 when they were rated ‘Good’ overall.

The ratings awarded in the five key areas to St Clare Hospice are:

• Safe – Good (same as previous inspection)

• Effective - Good (same as previous inspection)

• Caring - Outstanding (improved since the previous inspection)

• Responsive – Outstanding (improved since the previous inspection)

• Well-led – Good (same as previous inspection)

In their report the CQC praised the ‘outstanding care’ staff provided to patients, saying “the staff always treated them with compassion and kindness and respecting their privacy and dignity”.

Innovative care planned to meet the needs of people and the commitment by all staff was also highlighted.

Author of the report, deputy chief inspector of hospitals, Heidi Smoult, said the “strong visible patient-centred culture” adding that, “all staff we spoke with told us that … they were proud to work for the hospice.” whilst patients and family members said staff ‘went beyond what was expected when providing care and support.’

Commenting on the care provided, Ms Smoult said: “People who use services are active partners in their care. Staff are fully committed to working in partnership with people and making this a reality for each person.

“Staff always empower people who use the service to have a voice and to realise their potential. They show determination and creativity to overcome obstacles to delivering care.”

Commenting on the CQC result, Carolanne Brannan, St Clare Hospice’s director of patient care, said: “The people and families we serve are at the centre of everything we do at St Clare, and to be recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by the national regulator is testament to the dedication, hard work, care and compassion of everyone who works and volunteers with us.”

“In the difficult times that we are all working in at the moment, we are delighted to be able to share some good news with our community. We will, of course, endeavour to continue to provide our patients with outstanding care over the coming weeks and months.”

Read the full CQC report here: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-108715869