A Worcester hospice has been given the top rating of outstanding by a care regulator for the first time in its history.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said care and support given to patients at St Richard’s Hospice was “exceptionally compassionate and kind”.
The rating follows an unannounced inspection in March and follows a year in which the service cut its workforce in response to a £1m shortfall in its budget.
Chief executive Mike Wilkerson said the rating marked a “significant milestone” and that he was “hugely proud” of his team.
“[I] feel truly humble to work alongside such amazing people who make a real difference to our patients and loved ones each day,” he said.
He added the support from the wider community, which provided about 80% of the charity’s income, made the achievement possible.
“We thank all of you for playing your part to enable outstanding hospice care for people in Worcestershire.”
The CQC’s deputy director of operations in Worcester, Craig Howarth, said inspectors found the service was “committed to providing the highest level of care possible during the most challenging times of people’s lives”.
“It was also heartening to see the way staff went above and beyond to help people feel comfortable and have fun,” he added.
“The whole team at St Richard’s Hospice should be delighted with the findings of our report, which reflects their dedication to providing excellent care.”
In the report, comments included that staff demonstrated “genuine empathy” for patients, and cared for them and each other in a way that “exceeded expectation”.
The report added that the hospice’s vision and strategy “reflected the needs of patients” and wider challenges.
Last year hospice bosses said the independent charity was looking at axing up to 10 full-time jobs.
It has also restructured clinical services and due to financial pressures caused by rising costs and growing demand.
The hospice has since introduced new ways of working to maintain the number of patient beds available and care provision, it said, to ensure its “long-term future”.
Jenny Cowpe, chair of trustees, described the outstanding rating as a huge accomplishment and “testament to the difference each one of our team makes”.
The full report will be published in the coming days on the CQC website.
Susie Rack
BBC News, West Midlands
BBC Hereford & Worcester
