St Catherine’s Hospice receives glowing report from inspectors

Health and social care watchdogs have given St Catherine’s Hospice a glowing report following an unannounced visit.
An inspector from the Care Quality Commission, the UK’s governing body, found the hospice was performing well and meeting standards in five key areas.
During their visit they spoke to patients and their families about the treatment and care they were receiving; examined records and systems that were in place in areas including infection control and management of medicines; and talked to staff and volunteers about their experiences of working at St Catherine’s Hospice.
The report praised the ‘person-centred’ approach to care. Comments from patients featured in the report included: “First class treatment all round” and: “The care and treatment you get here is marvellous.”
Kindness, competence and an excellent bedside manner were other elements highlighted for praise from those using the hospice’s services.
Meanwhile the words of one relative quoted in the report said: “It’s a sad time, but watching what is happening around me has given me some peace. I take comfort from that.”
The report found death and dying were treated with ‘sensitivity, dignity and respect’, people’s wishes were recorded, and the needs of family members considered.
During their visit, the CQC found the hospice ‘very clean and tidy’ and strict infection control policies and procedures were in place. Medicine records were accurate and completed to a good standard, and nursing staff were witnessed following correct procedures in the use of syringe drivers – which give patients control in administering pain relief.
The report highlighted that staff were properly trained and supervised, and the inspector found evidence of a ‘wide ranging training and practice development programme’ to help employees improve their skills.
The report adds: “Staff were kept up to date with current best practice issues that included caring for people with long term illnesses.”
Team-working and job satisfaction amongst staff were other areas highlighted in the report, which said: “It was evident from talking with staff that they enjoyed working in the hospice and provided each other with significant support.”
Stephen Greenhalgh, Chief Executive of St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “‘We are delighted to receive this report from the CQC that shows how our charitable work is making a real difference to patients and families.
“We are also very conscious that we must not be complacent in any way whatsoever because Hospice care is extremely complex requiring 100 per cent concentration 24/7.
“This achievement is something staff, volunteers, local friends, businesses and supporters of St Catherine’s can be very proud of because without their terrific effort and generosity – which we rely on more than ever these days – we could not achieve the high standards of safety, comfort and dignity that are so important to families living with incurable illnesses.”
Jimmy Brash, Director of Care at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: ““We are very pleased indeed with the CQC report.
“The staff and volunteers work hard to provide first-rate care; it is wonderful to see their efforts rewarded with this excellent report. On the day of the CQC visit, the inspector interviewed several patients, carers and staff, as well as examining our systems and policies.
“She was very thorough and left no stone unturned. This style of inspection by CQC is commendable and should give those who use our services confidence and assurances of our commitment to patient care and safety.”

Share with your friends!