Palliative suite receives highest excellence award
Recent inspection of Campbeltown Hospital’s newly refurbished palliative suite, the Sunroom, by external assessors commissioned by Macmillan Cancer Support has led to its highest possible award of excellence.
The inspection assessed environment, experiences of those using the suite, and changes which have taken place through consultation.
The overall result was described as being of a high standard, ‘well above that of a normal NHS setting’.
Particular reference was made to the focus on cleanliness and the lengths gone to provide a ‘home-from-home’ environment, based on a person-centered approach to caring for those using the facility, and staff were commended for their efforts.
Members of the Sunroom Users Group, established in 2017, who have driven forward the refurbishment of the suite, were also congratulated for their work; their tasteful choices leading to a ‘modern, fresh, homely, calming environment’.
Campbeltown Macmillan nurse Maggie Wilkieson added her gratitude to the community, acknowledging that without its ongoing generosity the quality of the refurbishment would not have been possible.
The assessment was concluded by comments congratulating staff efforts to engage with users ‘being among the best seen, and a recommendation has been made to Macmillan Cancer Environments that a case study or similar of the Sunroom facility is produced to highlight the good practice adopted by staff’.
Assessors suggested, despite limitations of space, improvements to enhance spiritual well-being may be achieved by further development of the outside space, and also the chapel and the quiet room.
This will be considered over the next few months and anyone wishing to contribute ideas or discuss the assessment more fully can contact Maggie Wilkieson, QN, Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist by calling 01586 555822.