St Giles Hospice CQC Report 2017 St_Giles_Hospice_CQC_Report_2017 | Page 14

nationally recognised method designed to support hospices and other palliative care providers across the
UK in implementing outcome measures into clinical practice. This helped to ensure that people received
care based on nationally recognised and best practice standards and initiatives from staff with the right
knowledge and skills.
Everyone we spoke with in the hospice inpatient unit expressed their satisfaction with the quality, choice
and availability of food provided. Examples of their comments included, "Really delicious food, great variety
and choice;" "I can choose healthy options - I'm eating better and my appetite has improved;" and "Tasty,
home style cooked food to suit."
Staff promoted the importance of good nutrition and hydration for people they cared for. They supported
people to eat and drink foods they enjoyed and to maintain a balanced diet where possible. Many people
who used the service had a reduced appetite or difficulty eating and drinking. All people we spoke with said
that their food was freshly prepared in portion sizes and consistencies to suit their wishes and needs. Aids
and adaptations, such as specialist plates and cups, were available to help people eat and drink
independently when required. Records showed people's nutritional status was monitored. Where concerns
were identified with people's nutrition, relevant health care professionals were consulted and staff followed
their advice and instructions where required.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) provides a legal framework for making particular decisions on behalf of
people who may lack the mental capacity to do so for themselves. The Act requires that as far as possible
people make their own decisions and are helped to do so when needed. When they lack mental capacity
take particular decisions, any made on their behalf must be in their best interests and as least restrictive as
possible. People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment when is in their best
interests and legally authorised under the MCA.
Staff received training in the MCA and they understood and followed the MCA principles. Staff told us that all
of the people receiving care usually had the capacity to make decisions about their care and treatment.
They also told us that some people's capacity to do this on a day to day basis could sometimes fluctuate
because of their health condition. Staff were able to describe how they sought people's consent by offering
information and choices to support their decision making. For example, by discussing people's care and
treatment options with them and obtaining their written agreement to thi