Princess Alice Hospice has become the first hospice in England to score the highest possible rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after achieving “outstanding” on all five of the regulator’s key measures for assessing care.
Inspectors who assessed the quality of care provided by the Esher-based hospice gave it the top rating in all five of its key measures- namely that its services are safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led.
The exceptional results follow unannounced inspections in September which include in-depth interviews with staff and volunteers working at all levels and areas in the hospice and detailed scrutiny of policies and processes. The inspectors also spoke with people that used the hospice’s services and family members.
Commenting on the hospice’s rating, Deborah Ivanova, Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care at the CQC, said:
“Princess Alice Hospice is an outstanding service. It is focused on the individual needs of the people and families who they support, at the time they need it in a way and place that best suits them and their whole family. The hospice ensured that everyone received good quality, personalised end of life care regardless of diagnosis, age, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or social circumstances.
“We were also delighted to hear how people and relatives were full of praise for the kind and compassionate staff and how staff confidently demonstrated their care, support and expert knowledge of people’s complex health needs. The team should be extremely proud of the work they do. I congratulate the staff at Princess Alice Hospice for achieving our highest rating in all 5 domains.”
Nicki Shaw, Chief Executive of the Hospice added:
“This is such amazing news to get in our 30th birthday year and I absolutely recognise that it is something that can only be achieved when the whole organisation and everyone within it works together whether in delivering care and support or supporting those that do.
“It is a particularly special achievement as we look to launch our new five year strategy and gives us confidence to know that we can achieve truly great things for the benefit of our local community and the patients and families that we support.”
The full inspection report can be found at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-143826921
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