Saint Michaels Hospice has received a glowing review following an unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates and inspects all health and social care services in England, made an unannounced visit to the Hospice, which serves the Harrogate district, in October.
During the course of the day-long visit aspects of care, patient involvement, welfare and rights, as well as staff competency and reporting procedures were inspected.
Saint Michael’s chief executive Tony Collins said:
The dignity, privacy, individuality, needs and wishes of the people who use our services are our priority and this report evidences the quality of care we deliver.
I would like to thank every member of the Saint Michael’s team for the commitment they show to patients. “Whether they are care staff, volunteers, fundraisers, administrators or support staff, they each play a vital role is enabling this care to happen.
CQC inspectors regularly assess hospital, hospice and care homes across the country to ensure they are meeting the standards expected. During their visit to Saint Michael’s, registered as Harrogate District Hospice Care Limited, inspectors spoke to people using the services and their families who described the care offered as ‘first class’ ‘top notch’ and somewhere they felt safe.
Staff were also praised for being ‘wonderful’, ‘very caring’ and ‘kindness personified’.
The Hospice was also recognised for involving patients in discussions about their own care and the way services are run. Other key areas assessed by inspectors included care standards, staff qualifications, ability to do their job and how well they protected patients from abuse.
Saint Michael’s was found to be fully compliant with every standard of quality and safety without exception. Saint Michael’s currently offers physical, emotional, psychological, practical or spiritual care that helps more than 2400 people each year to live with terminal illness and bereavement.
The care is offered free of charge available to people with all illnesses, not just cancer. These include people living with illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease and end stage heart and lung disease.
