Highland Hospice has received the highest possible grade for its care and how the organisation involves those close to patients, in its latest Healthcare Improvement Scotland report.
Following an unannounced inspection in May, the Hospice was graded ‘Exceptional’ for this key quality indicator. In the report, Healthcare Improvement Scotland highlighted that patients felt involved in their care and, along with carers and families, were kept informed at all times of decisions made. It also found the service’s participation policy provided information about how the Hospice gathers feedback to develop and improve the service.
This was found to be demonstrated through a wide variety of leaflets and comments boxes to provide feedback, as well as clear information about how to make a complaint. It was noted that patients were treated with dignity and respect, while six patients and two relatives who were spoken to, rated the staff highly on friendliness and approachability.
Two of the Hospice’s new short-term inpatient care services, the respiratory rehabilitation project and the neurological support programme, were seen to be ensuring, through continuous evaluation, the best possible outcomes for patients by equipping them with the tools to self-manage their conditions. One such patient commented on how they had already experienced huge emotional and physical benefits.
In the report, the Hospice also scored well for its safe delivery of care and leadership of improvement and change.
June has been a good month for the charity, which also scored well in its Investors in People assessment. It was graded as ‘High Performing’ in all three indicators - ‘Living the Organisation’s Values and Behaviours’, ‘Structuring Work’ and ‘Creating Sustainable Success.’
Highland Hospice’s Chief Executive Officer Kenny Steele said, “We are delighted that our care of individuals and involvement of their loved ones have scored highly as these are vital components of our ethos. The Investors in People assessment is also heartening, as it indicates that we are making great progress towards our ambition of achieving Gold Standard.”
“None of this could be achieved without our wonderfully committed staff members and volunteers who deliver our care so compassionately. Each person plays a part in our overall performance, and I am so proud to have such a great team around me.”
Pictured is Staff Nurse, Leanne Scott in our Inpatient Unit.
