The UK’s leading charity providing care to dying people at home has received an ‘Excellent’ rating from Care Inspectorate Wales for all six of its hospice at home services across Wales.
Marie Curie provides round the clock care and support to people across Wales living with a condition from which they are likely to die in their own homes, with nurses and healthcare assistants providing support via a variety of shift patterns, from multiple day visits to overnight and respite care.
The charity also has a hospice in Penarth and an Information and Support Line which provides a listening ear for anyone dealing with terminal illness.
The charity was inspected in six health board areas where they provide support – Betsi Cadwaladr, Cardiff and the Vale, Cwm Taf Morgannwg, Hywel Dda, Powys and Swansea Bay, and received an excellent rating in all areas.
Among the comments inspectors heard from dying people and those close to them, the service was described as “amazing”, “a life saver” and “exemplary”.
“The staff always leave us with a smile even on the worst days we always manage to laugh, really amazing staff,” said one person whose family received support.
One person told inspectors they have been so much more relaxed due to the input of Marie Curie care staff and would never have coped without them – a message that was repeated across all the services.
Speaking about the services, CIW said: “People receive excellent care and support from a friendly staff team. The service is passionate about providing timely support to people who use the service.
“Marie Curie staff provide high-quality person-centred care and support….(and) care staff and the management team are equipped with excellent levels of training, development opportunities and support.
“Management are visible and engaged in the day-to-day running of the service. Robust systems are in place to ensure high quality care and support are provided in accordance with people’s wishes and preferences.”
Marie Curie Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Services, Rachel Jones, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our CIW inspections, and the results are a testament to the dedication and passion of our staff in providing person-centred care to people dying at home.
“My thanks goes to all our teams who provide that care in communities across Wales, throughout the year.”
The charity is dependent on public donations so that Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare professionals can provide expert hospice care, whatever the illness, in the comfort of home or at one of its nine hospices, including its Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale in Penarth.
The money raised from the charity’s Christmas Appeal will also fund the charity’s free support line and webchat, which is available to anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from and those close to them. It offers practical and emotional support on everything from symptom management and day-to-day care to financial information and bereavement support – and is open throughout the Christmas period.
To find out more about Marie Curie’s Christmas Appeal, visit: mariecurie.org.uk/christmas
To read the reports, please visit www.careinspectorate.wales
Leave a Reply