Hospice's rating upgraded to outstanding

A hospice has had its official rating upgraded from "good" to "outstanding" following its most recent inspection.

The Douglas Macmillan Hospice in Stoke-on-Trent, better known as the Dougie Mac, was visited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in December.

The charity provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care, both within the hospice and in patients' own homes - depending on their preferences and needs.

"We found a positive culture which put people at the heart of their own care, creating a trusted relationship between staff, people and their loved ones," said Roger James from the CQC.

"It was clear staff prioritised people's individual needs and what mattered to them," he added.

"For example, staff had brought Christmas forward for one family so they could celebrate together, while another person was able to see a reindeer for the first time."

The inspection was carried out as part of the CQC's ongoing checks on the safety and quality of healthcare services.

The Dougie Mac was upgraded for how safe, effective, caring and well-led it was, and maintained its outstanding rating for responsiveness.

"Leaders encouraged staff to find and think about creative ways to ensure people lived with as few restrictions as possible," James added.

"As part of the hospice's culture, it was apparent that leaders gave staff thorough support and development opportunities, enabling them to work well together to provide safe care for people."

Dougie Mac CEO David Webster said he was "humbled" and "proud as punch" on reading the report.

"I feel as if it's an absolutely superb endorsement of what Dougie Mac is all about, and to have that endorsement from the regulator, from the CQC, is really something special."

He added that the hospice and the work it did held a "unique position" in the local area.

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