Highland Hospice has scored well in a report published today by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, following their unannounced inspection of its services in May.
The report summarises that the service had an excellent staff culture that reflected its values. Service users and families said that the care was respectful and compassionate and staff said they felt supported and respected by colleagues. The move to decanted premises whilst the hospice rebuild took place had been a considerable undertaking but had been managed extremely well. Patient care had not been affected and staff had been fully involved in the changes and in future plans.
The hospice is currently rebuilding its Inpatient Unit in Inverness, with inpatient services operating from a temporary base in the Fyrish Ward of Invergordon’s County Community Hospital and the Netley Day Therapy Centre operating from Cradlehall Business Park in Inverness. Its new inpatient unit is due to open later this year.
Despite the decant and splitting of services, the quality of the hospice’s care and support scored ‘Good’, while its information, environment, staffing, management and leadership were all awarded a ‘Very Good’ grade.
Only one requirement was made, around strengthening paperwork and actions plans for infection prevention and control, with eight additional recommendations across a range of factors
Furthermore, the report found that both requirements which were made in its 2014 inspection – regarding electronic patient records and staff background checks prior to commencement of employment - had been met.
Highland Hospice Chief Executive Officer Kenny Steele said, “Despite the challenges of clinical care being in two temporary locations, the quality of care we are able to offer is still of the highest standard. The report reflects that throughout this decant period we have continued to focus our attention on the personal care of patients and families.”
“We have a culture of continuous improvement and welcome the report’s recommendations as we strive to deliver the highest possible standard of care at all times.”
“We now look forward to moving back to a modernised building where we will be able to continue our great work in the best possible environment for our patients and families.”
