The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has re-rated Marie Curie Hospice and Community Services Midlands Region in Solihull as outstanding following an inspection in July.
Marie Curie Hospice and Community Services Midlands Region, which is run by an organisation of the same name, is a registered charity which provides care and treatment for people affected by life-limiting conditions across the region.
The inspection was carried out as part of CQC’s continual checks on the safety and quality of healthcare services.
CQC has again rated Marie Curie Hospice and Community Services Midlands Region as outstanding for how caring and well-led it is. Responsive has been upgraded from good to outstanding. The ratings for safe and effective remain as good.
Carolyn Jenkinson, CQC deputy director of hospitals in the West Midlands, said:
“When we visited Marie Curie Hospice and Community Services Midlands Region, we found a culture of openness and collaboration, which put people at the heart of care delivery.
“It was encouraging to see staff thoroughly assess all referrals into the hospice to ensure the care and support available was suitable for people and that people’s needs could be met safely, regardless of their diagnosis.
“Risks were managed holistically, and people’s needs were met in a way that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment and found effective ways to engage with people with communication difficulties.
“We found staff were inspired to offer the best quality care because they were able to spend valuable time with people. This enabled people to ask questions, gain clarity and an understanding of their treatment and care. Staff planned and delivered services and activities in a way which took the needs of different people into account, such as those with learning disabilities, dementia and other mental health conditions.
“For example, the hospice hosted a hand massage group workshop during which people were taught techniques such as stroking or gently manipulating the muscles and soft tissues in the hands and wrists. The aim was to reduce tension and pain, improve circulation and help people relax, ease anxiety and promote a sense of calm. One person’s wife told us she had appreciated being able to attend the group with her husband before he died, creating positive memories together during his care.
“Overall, leaders and staff should be incredibly proud of the care they provide and the culture they have implemented, which is clearly appreciated by people and the local community.”
Inspectors found:
- Staff treated people as individuals and involved them and their families in care and treatment decisions.
- The service was exceptional in treating both people and colleagues with kindness, empathy and compassion. Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity.
- Staff understood and respected people’s personal, cultural, social, and religious needs and how these might relate to their care.
- Staff were focused on people’s needs and worked well together to ensure they achieved good outcomes for people. They also responded quickly to people’s needs, including in the community when they contacted the hospice due to a change in circumstances.
- Staff worked with people and healthcare partners to establish safe systems of care and ensure continuity of care between services.