Our care for people living with incurable illness has been declared as ‘outstanding’ by quality inspectors.
The Care Quality Commission has given us the highest level of award possible and said we are performing ‘exceptionally well’.
The CQC, which regulates all health and social care providers, sent examiners to talk to Severn Hospice patients and staff, and review records for services across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.
Following two separate, intensive inspections, services in Bicton were rated as ‘good’, with Apley assessed as ‘outstanding’ for being caring, responsive and well-led with a ‘strong culture of teamwork and support’ providing care for patients and families that minimises distress and promotes dignity.
Our management was observed as motivating staff to deliver ‘excellent and sustainable care’ with ‘a common goal to improve the quality and safety’ of it.
Flexible services focussed on ‘individual needs and preferences’, with inspectors praising staff for treating patients and those close to them with ‘compassion and kindness’ and going ‘above and beyond’ to provide support.
Our director of care, Becky Richardson, said: “In our 30th year of service to the community, this is a well-deserved recognition for the whole hospice; everyone who works or volunteers with us has played a part in achieving this.
“Those we care for are central to everything we do and to be recognised as outstanding by the national regulator truly is a ringing endorsement of our collective contribution of hard work and commitment and one to be extremely proud of.”
We support people through a variety of bespoke services in the community and at home, as well as ward care. These include day services providing coffee mornings, consultant led clinics, educational programmes, and complementary and creative therapy including aromatherapy sessions, art and craft sessions, massage and reiki.
Community outreach teams work with GPs, district nurses and care homes to provide care, and hospice at home and inpatient services deliver care for palliative patients. The hospice also runs a Compassionate Communities befriending service, bereavement support and a lymphoedema service.
Becky added: “We consult those we care for at every opportunity and are always looking to improve our offer to meet the ever changing needs of our community. Because of this we are building the future of hospice care with a new community services centre in Shrewsbury and rehabilitation centre in Telford.”
Read the full reports here.
