A BRADFORD hospice has been rated ‘outstanding’ following a recent inspection.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited Marie Curie Hospice and Community Services Yorkshire Region, in the Barkerend area of Bradford. At the same time, it also rated Marie Curie’s Newcastle hospice and services 'outstanding' in a separate report.

The Bradford hospice has improved from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ overall and for being responsive and well-led.

Safe, effective, and caring have again been rated as ‘good’.

The CQC said other providers should look to see if there is anything they can learn.

Sue Hogston, Marie Curie’s head of nursing and quality for Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted with the report and it cements what we passionately believe – that Marie Curie Hospice Bradford and its community services are a real jewel in the crown for the people of Bradford and Yorkshire.

“We’re particularly pleased that the report shined a light on how our staff go above and beyond in responding to individual patients' needs, while consistently delivering expert palliative care both in the hospice and in patients’ own homes.”

Inspectors found at both hospices:

• Staff provided a high standard of care and treatment and gave people pain relief when they needed it.

• The involvement of other organisations and the local community was integral to how services were planned and ensured that services met the needs of the local communities.

• People could access both hospices when they needed it.

• Leaders were dedicated to providing a high-quality service and promoted an open culture. They ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills.

Sheila Grant, 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.

“We heard at Marie Curie Hospice and Community Services Yorkshire Region, the service had introduced a magical garden.

“This was to support children who may have experienced bereavement, or who may be spending time with a sick relative in the hospice. Staff told us it created opportunities to open up conversations around difficult topics like coping with loss, and feelings around death and dying.

“All staff should be extremely proud of the care they’re providing to people and their families.

“They clearly work hard to provide exceptional care and other providers should look at this report to see if there’s anything they can learn.”