Mary Stevens Hospice rated outstanding in inspection report

Inspectors visited the Mary Stevens Hospice, in Stourbridge, unannounced in February.

The hospice, which provides palliative and end of life care for people living with life-limiting illnesses, was given an overall outstanding rating. Its care and responsiveness was rated outstanding, while its safety, effectiveness and leadership was rated good.

The CQC report stated: "Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs. Patient’s needs were constantly assessed and identified with treatments and opportunities aligned to their needs and wishes.

"Patients nearing the end of their life were encouraged to think about wish lists to allow the staff and those close to fulfil those that were possible.

"Leaders had the skills and abilities to run the service. They understood and managed the priorities and issues the service faced. They were visible and approachable in the service for patients and staff. They supported staff to develop their skills and take on more senior roles.

"The service had a vision for what it wanted to achieve and a strategy to turn it into action, developed with all relevant stakeholders. The vision and strategy were focused on sustainability of services and fully aligned to local plans within the wider health economy.

"Leaders and staff actively and openly engaged with patients, staff, equality groups, the public and local organisations to plan and manage services. They collaborated with partner organisations to help improve services for patients.

"All staff were committed to continually learning and improving services. They had a good understanding of quality improvement methods and the skills to use them."

Claire Towns, interim chief executive officer at Mary Stevens Hospice, said: “To receive the news that we have had achieved outstanding for our hospice service is a real accolade.

"This result is reflective of the hard work and dedication of the whole hospice team.

"Care, compassion and kindness are at the heart of everything we do at the hospice and this has been reflected throughout the whole report."

She added: "I am immensely proud to be leading such an outstanding team. Throughout my nursing career the team at the hospice are simply the best I have ever had the privilege to work with.

"This achievement is not only good news for the hospice but also for the community that we are here to serve.”