A hospice based in Mapperley is celebrating after being rated ‘Good’ overall in its latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
The inspection recognised Nottinghamshire Hospice’s compassionate, person-centred approach, commitment to supporting people at the end of life, and the strong sense of teamwork among staff and volunteers. CQC inspectors praised staff for going above and beyond to ensure patients and their families receive dignified and responsive care.
Last year, Nottinghamshire Hospice supported over 2000 patients and families across Nottinghamshire, offering at-home care, group wellbeing sessions, and emotional support and counselling.
An excerpt from the report read: “Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs. We observed that patients and families were at the heart of everything staff did.”
In addition to the strong CQC result, Nottinghamshire Hospice has recently expanded opportunities for people wishing to begin a career in care. The hospice now offers on-the-job training for new care assistants, including those without previous qualifications, helping them gain essential skills, experience and confidence while working alongside the clinical team.
Palliative Care Assistant Lisa Barlow joined the hospice six months ago. When she applied for a role at the hospice, she didn’t expect to hear back.
“I didn’t think I’d hear anything because I didn’t have the qualifications, but the hospice offered me the chance to train on the job. The support here is second to none and everyone’s so welcoming and friendly. I’ve never worked anywhere like this in my life.”
For Lisa, it’s the personal connections that mean the most.
She said: “When I first met one patient’s daughter, she wasn’t sure she could leave her mum with me. I was still in training, shadowing one of the Registered Nurses. I told her, ‘I’ll look after your mum just like I look after mine, I can’t do any better than that.’ After that, she completely trusted me. That’s what care is all about.”
Rachel Hucknall, CEO of Nottinghamshire Hospice added: “We’re so proud of our team and the care they provide. This rating reflects the passion and dedication that every member of staff brings – especially our new care assistants, who are learning and growing with such commitment.”
