THE CARE and support offered by a south of Butser hospice to people with life-limiting illnesses is among the best in the UK.
That’s the verdict of inspectors at a health watchdog as they’ve given The Rowans an ‘Outstanding’ overall rating for its services.
The facility’s effectiveness, safety, responsiveness, leadership and care was scrutinised by four inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) during a surprise visit last September.
Inspectors spoke to more than 30 patients, relatives, nurses, care staff, physiotherapists, housekeepers and volunteers during the visit.
The feedback was impressive throughout with the hospice getting the top grade for its quality of care and responsiveness.
The CQC, which released The Rowans inspection report last Monday, also gave the facility a ‘Good’ rating for its safety, effectiveness and leadership.
“People received outstanding care from exceptional staff who were compassionate, understanding and who had distinctive skills in supporting people living with a life-limiting illness,” states page three of the report.
“Staff consistently cared for people that mattered to the person using the service with empathy and understanding.”
Some 381 people received specialist symptom management, rehabilitation, care relief and end of life care at the hospice’s In-Patient Unit (IPU) last year.
A further 81 adults received one-to-one bereavement support while 1,686 people have visited the Rowans Living Well Centre since its November launch.
The chief executive of the Purbrook hospice, Ruth White, is delighted with the results of the inspection.
She said: “This success is down to the hard work and dedication of our highly skilled staff and our volunteers who give so generously of their time.
“Everyone here is so proud and passionate of the services provided by Rowans Hospice which is demonstrated in the delivery of care.”
Inspectors also lauded the hospice for the improvements it has made regarding the storage and disposal of medicines since the last inspection in 2014.
Inspectors concluded that the facility’s systems were “not safe” on that occasion but the hospice has since taken the required action to ensure medicines are stored and disposed of safely.
The CQC report can be found at the website: www. rowanshospice.co.uk/quality