Thanks at this difficult time

THE end of August was an incredibly difficult time for our beloved hospice as we were thrust into the media spotlight following the publication of the CQC’s inspection report, which rated us as inadequate.

We have received so many very touching messages and letters of support from our community, and particularly from families who currently have loved ones being cared for at the hospice.

Several of them even offered to be interviewed by the media to give their views on our care and we are incredibly grateful to them for their support.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our patients and their families, our staff, volunteers and supporters for the kindness they have shown us in recent weeks.

We even received the letter below from one of our patients in response to the CQC’s report.

I would also like to reassure everyone that the hospice is already providing a more professional, safer service than ever before.

One which is as compassionate and caring as people have come to expect.

Thanks to all our community for their love and support.

George Foster Chair of Trustees, St Joseph’s Hospice

HOSPICE IS AMAZING

I HAVE been a resident at St Joseph’s Hospice since October 2016, after a long period in hospital and 12 brain surgeries. I am 43 years old. I am writing this in relation to the bad press that the hospice has received over the last few days.

The duty of care from nurses, carers and the catering staff, is of a very high standard.

I am treated with dignity and respect at all times.

The staff take a personal interest in my life and of my family and are always friendly and approachable to myself, my wife and teenage children.

The food is freshly cooked on site. I am always given an option for each meal and the catering staff are always happy to cook something different if I don’t like what’s on the menu.

The cleanliness of the unit is excellent. I have fresh towels every day and the bedding is changed regularly. The unit, as a whole, always smells clean and fresh.

I have nothing but positive experiences while being at St Joseph’s Hospice.

My family chose this hospice as other places didn’t seem as welcoming and caring.

I feel comfortable and well cared for here. I do not agree the CQC report gives a true reflection of how amazing St Joseph’s Hospice is.

St Joseph’s Hospice patient

WHAT OF OUR FUTURE?

JUST what is going to be happening with the Round Hill, Hillside Top, Birkdale Common?

It seems no-one is bothered anymore or has the decency to reply to emails etc.

When it’s gone, don’t start saying: “I remember when there was a hill, the only one in Southport.

“When it snowed, which was a very rare, everyone went sledging there.

“And we used to watch the air show. “Those were the days!’ Remember, we are the caretakers for future generations. Jon Crowder-Barton Via email

KEEP IT CLEAN

MY WIFE and I visited Southport for the first time on August 31 for three nights.

The town is really nice with some great shops, places to eat and pubs.

However, after visiting several of the pubs we both noticed a common theme, that nearly all of the pubs had very poor toilets.

They were smelly and nearly all of them had things wrong with