East Lancashire Hospice, based in Blackburn, has been awarded an outstanding rating following its latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care in England, conducts rigorous inspections to ensure healthcare services meet essential standards of quality and safety. Receiving an outstanding award is the highest rating given by the CQC, reflecting the hospice's commitment to care provision.

Inspectors visited the hospice, on Park Lee Road, in March and spoke to around 17 patients and those close to them, as well as staff on site. The feedback was “consistently positive”. Patients said they felt safe and said staff were skilled and able to provide specialist care and treatment.

Patients and families said they felt listened to and were involved in care and treatment planning. 

The report said: “The patients on the inpatient unit reported becoming involved in the hospice from initial outpatient services such as counselling and complementary therapy, so they were confident to choose the hospice as their preferred place of care and/or death.”

Patients and those close to them said they received effective pain relief in a timely manner, they felt listened to, and were involved in advanced care planning.

Hilary Barrett, CEO of East Lancashire Hospice, expressed her gratitude upon receiving the news.

She said: "We are humbled by this recognition from the CQC. It is a reflection of the incredible dedication, hard work, and compassion that our staff and volunteers bring to the hospice every day.

"Our goal has always been to provide the best possible care, and this rating encourages us to continue our efforts. We are committed to ongoing improvement and will keep striving to enhance our services further.

“East Lancashire Hospice extends its deepest thanks to the CQC for their positive review and to the local community for their unwavering support.”

The hospice’s commitment to continuous improvement includes investing in its people; supporting staff and volunteers to be the best they can be, continuing to improve and develop their services to meet the needs of the community, providing digital optimisation, operating sustainably and by incorporating feedback from patients and families to ensure the highest quality of care.