Most hospices are 'good' or better, says CQC

New ratings published by the country’s main inspection organisation show the majority of hospices are delivering services to a good or higher standard.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) published its latest data to mark World Hospice and Palliative Care Day today (Saturday 10).

It shows more than 90% (34 out of 37 hospices) inspected so far have been judged to be providing outstanding or good care.

The ratings also mark one year on since CQC introduced its more rigorous and expert-led approach that assesses hospices across England on whether they are safe, caring, effective, responsive to people’s needs and well-led.

They also introduced four simple ratings which are outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.

CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care, Andrea Sutcliffe, said: ‘I know from what my inspectors are finding and from what my own friends and family have told me, hospices provide amazing care and support for people at the end of their lives.

‘Success starts with strong leaders who motivate, value and support skilled staff to go the extra mile in sensitively caring for every single person as an individual.’

Director of policy and advocacy at Hospice UK Jonathan Ellis, called the results ‘a testament to the dedication and expertise of the staff and volunteers who provide hospice care across the country.

‘Our country’s hospice movement is one of the major reasons that the UK is ranked as the best in the world in meeting palliative care needs but we must not be complacent.

‘Hospices have a great deal to offer, and are working increasingly closely with hospitals, care homes and other social care services.’