A PETERSFIELD hospice at home charity has been rated ‘outstanding’ by a government watchdog for the service it provides looking after terminally ill patients and their families.

The Care Quality Commission rating was awarded after a detailed and rigorous two-day inspection of the charity, which was founded in 1997 by redundant nurses when Bordean House Care Home at Langrish closed.

Rosemary Foundation trustee Gill Haworth said: “I feel so proud of all the staff and volunteers who work so hard to provide such an outstanding service to terminally ill patients.

“The Care Quality Commission inspects clinical services and rarely gives this rating. It is a reflection of the wonderful and effective service provided by the team.

“The commission gave this rare rating after finding the service is safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well led.”

A relative of a Rosemary Foundation patient said: “We could have never got through his last few days without the help, kindness and understanding of these amazing ladies. Thank you for everything.”

The ‘outstanding’ rating announcement coincides with the first anniversary of the charity’s return to offices in Lavant Street in Petersfield – the ones it occupies now are bigger than those in the same building it called home from 1999 to 2008.

Rosemary Foundation fundraising spokesman Jeremy Mitchell said: “Moving back to Lavant Street from our offices in Langrish has allowed the organisation to offer additional carer and bereavement support activities.

“There is now the space to support carers and the bereaved in a quiet and calm environment, accommodate nurses overnight when on call, and have a better work space for managers, nurses and volunteers.”

The nurses are on call 24/7, every day of the year, for patients with life-limiting illnesses within a 15-mile radius of Petersfield.

The charity now needs just under £600,000 a year – £1,640 per day – to run. It is raised by residents, organisations and businesses in and around Petersfield, and through donations and legacies.

Three-quarters of it goes directly to keeping the 16 nurses and care workers on the road – over the years 2,823 patients have been cared for.

Earlier this month the charity got a welcome start to the year – a £40,000 grant from the clinical commissioning group run by local doctors.

Mr Mitchell added that everyone at the foundation would like to thank its many generous and loyal supporters.

The Rosemary Foundation can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by calling 01730 266329.

For further details about supporting the foundation, email Jeremy Mitchell to obtain more information at [email protected]