The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
‘Just a fantastic place’
BE PROUD OF HOW YOU CARE, HOSPICE TEAM TOLD
A NEWCASTLE hospice has again been rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission, which has paid tribute to its “innovative” support and “exceptional care”.
The Marie Curie Hospice – based in Elswick – provides support to those who need end-of-life care both at the hospice and in the community.
A CQC inspection in January has seen inspectors “extremely impressed” by the hospice’s leadership – and that of its counterpart in Yorkshire. The hospice’s management – and its users – were delighted with the news.
Jose Gaglioni, from Gosforth, lives with motor neurone disease. Diagnosed in 2022, he has been using services at the hospice since early 2023, including physio, counselling and is part of the men’s baking group.
He said: “Honestly, the [outstanding rating] award is more than deserved. It is just a fantastic place. I didn’t know much about the Marie Curie Newcastle hospice before I came here.
“I thought it was just a place people came to die. But actually no, it is such a warm and friendly place with so much to it. I love coming to the groups – I have made some good friends and I just look forward to coming to the groups, having a few laughs.
“Nothing is too much of a problem for the staff – from the receptionists, the kitchen workers to the cleaners and all the nurses and medical team. There is always someone willing to help.”
Gillian Raine, head of nursing and quality for Marie Curie North East, said: “We know how passionate our talking and staff are about their work and the expert care they provide, so we are thrilled that this has been recognised by CQC.”
She added: “It was particularly pleasing to see inspectors shining a light on how we always strive to involve patients in their own care and respond to their individual needs.”
The CQC said service users had given inspectors feedback that “was consistently positive”. The inspectors picked up on “dedicated leaders” who provided a “high-quality service” and how the hospice worked closely within its community to plan services.
There was also praise for the care and compassion of “consistently committed” staff, and an environment where they were proud to come to work.
Sheila Grant, the CQC deputy director of operations in the North, said: “When we inspected both Marie Curie hospices, we were extremely impressed by how well led they were. We found staff were working really hard to provide a high standard of care to people, as well as providing emotional support to those close to them, during such a difficult time.”
She added the North East hospice service saw “staff find innovative ways to support people and those close to them”, going on to say: “For example, by arranging Christmas early for a father to have one last Christmas with his four-year-old child.”
Ms Grant added: “We heard how each year staff went above and beyond to create a winter wonderland in the garden area that each bedroom looked out on to.
“We also heard about an African safari adventure that had been created throughout the building as a surprise for a couple that hadn’t been able to travel, but had always hoped to go on safari.
“All staff should be extremely proud of the care they’re providing.”
The inspection looked at all services provided by the charity at the Newcastle hospice, as well as community-based services including the Marie Curie Hospice Care at Home overnight service, Durham Urgent Hospice Care at Home Service and the North East Companion service.