St Giles Hospice CQC Report 2017 St_Giles_Hospice_CQC_Report_2017 | Page 12

Good
Is the service effective?
Our findings
People and their relatives were highly satisfied with their care and treatment across the services provided.
We received many positive comments and high level praise from them about this. One person told us about
the care they received at the hospice inpatient unit. They said, "My health is fragile, but I am absolutely cared
for by all staff grades; the care is wonderful here." Another person told us, "I am getting lots of help here with
my pain and symptoms; it's such a relief; they are helping me sort out what I will need at home. The relative
of a person who received care at home from the hospice community nurse specialist said, "We couldn't have
wished for better care."
Two people told us about their care and treatment, which they received from staff in the lymphoedema
outpatient clinic at the day hospice, They told us, "They are miracle workers; they continually review my care
with me to make sure I get the most effective up to date treatment;" and "Information, treatment, care and
advice here is second to none; I wouldn't be walking if it wasn't for this service." Lymphoedema is a chronic
health condition that affects the body tissues, causing swelling often in the arms or legs.
The provider's findings from their recent survey of people's and relatives views across the hospice services
showed they were satisfied with the care and treatment provided. People and their relatives were
particularly pleased with pain and symptom control and the range of care, treatment and support offered to
people; which was often described as 'good' or 'excellent.' Survey returns we received from external
professionals concerned with the service reflected this. They also said that staff at the service worked in
collaboration with them to help to ensure the best care outcomes for people. All respondents surveyed
about the care from the hospice at home team said the care and support they received had made a positive
difference, much better than expected. All said they would recommend the hospice care to friends and
family.
Twenty four hour medical and nursing support was provided at the hospice inpatient unit. This included
people's medical care via a 9am to 5pm medical presence and on call medical support out of those working
hours. People were able to access a range of health professionals relevant to their care requirements. For
example, therapy staff, including physio and occupational and complementary therapists. Emotional,
spiritual and personal care and support was provided for people and their carers'. This included aftercare
following a person's death and a chaplaincy service.
Recent figures collated by the provider, showed their hospice at home and clinical nurse specialist team
supported 98% of people who received care from them and who expressed a preference to do so, to remain
at home at the end of their lives. This had increased from the previous year and was above the national and
local government expectations.
People were fully involved and informed in their care and treatment. We observed one of the weekly MD
team meetings held, which showed staff were knowledgeable about people's health conditions, their
related care, treatment needs and choices. This and related records showed that people's care and
treatment was agreed with them; regularly discussed, reviewed and accurately recorded for staff to follow.
12 St Giles Hospice - Whittington Inspection report 24 February 2017