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A Huddersfield hospice where date nights and going the "extra mile" are the norm has been praised by the health watchdog for its "outstanding" caring practices.
The Kirkwood, in Albany Road, received an overall rating of "good" following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in April this year. Inspectors were said to be particularly complimentary of staff members' kindness, compassion and dignity, and noted that patients and their families "consistently praised staff as exceptional, kind and caring."
One patient even told inspectors: "It's as if the staff know what I need before I do. They have given me a reason to carry on."
The hospice provides inpatient, community and outreach support to those living with life limiting illnesses and support to their loved ones.
The inspection team included a specialist advising in nursing and end-of-life care and an offsite CQC operational manager. In the report published by CQC last week, the inspectors said: "Kirkwood Hospice delivered highly personalised care that addressed the physical, spiritual, social, emotional, and psychological needs of people using the service and their families through a comprehensive range of services
"Staff empowered people to manage their health, adapting care to cultural, social, and religious needs. Through community engagement, research, and innovative practices, they ensured care was tailored to individual need, equitable, accessible, and responsive, setting a high standard for end-of-life care."
Inspectors said people they spoke to told them they felt safe at The Kirkwood. The report said: "Feedback from people using the service, their families, carers, and stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive, praising staff for going "the extra mile." People told us staff responded quickly to their needs, they felt listened to and valued. Staff were described as compassionate, knowledgeable, and responsive, with adequate staffing ensuring safe, effective care delivery.
"A visible person-centred culture was evident. People using the service told us staff delivered kind, dignified care. Relationships between staff those using the service were strong and respectful, driven by understanding and inclusive leadership. People told us staff addressed their personal, cultural, social, and religious needs innovatively, prioritising emotional and social needs alongside physical ones, empowering them to maintain independence and realise their potential."
One example in the report shared was how a chef at The Kirkwood organised a "date night" for a patient and their partner, complete with flowers and their favourite meal.
Lynne Hall-Bentley, Director of Clinical Services with The Kirkwood praised the achievements of the whole team. She said: "I am incredibly proud of this CQC assessment, which not only rates The Kirkwood as a "Good" provider of care, but also recognises us as "Outstanding" for Caring.
"The report is a glowing reference for our team, highlighting the excellent, compassionate work of colleagues who go above and beyond to provide the very best palliative and end of life care. This is also an endorsement of all the services we provide, from our team of Community Nurse Specialists and wellbeing services to our In-Patient care at the hospice, right through to the bereavement support we offer for families and loved ones."
The Kirkwood's Chief Executive, Michael Crowther said: "The CQC's endorsement of our services is a powerful statement that, despite recent service changes and financial pressures, we remain committed to providing the very best palliative and end-of-life care.
"This report shines a light on the dedication and compassion of every one of our colleagues and volunteers, who play a vital part in our mission to support local people's quality of life, provide the dignity of a comfortable and peaceful death, and offer reassurance that their loved ones will be supported to live on - and live well."
Lorraine Chapman, Chair of Trustees for The Kirkwood, said: "As Chair of Trustees, I am extremely proud of our team's achievement.
"To receive this 'Good' rating reflects strong leadership during an extremely challenging period for The Kirkwood. To be rated as "Outstanding" for Caring underscores the commitment that I see from staff and volunteers right across our charity.
"This report has been published at an important time. In a challenging financial climate for our charity, the findings underscore the vital need for our care within the local Kirklees community. While we have taken significant steps to ensure our financial stability in recent months, the Kirkwood's future will rely on the continued strength and growth of our movement.
"From our partners in the healthcare sector, to our amazing supporters, we need to work together to secure the future of hospice services in our community, not just today, but for generations to come."
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