The Highland Hospice has scored well in a recent inspection, despite disruption while work continues on their new building.
Services are currently decanted to temporary bases in Invergordon and Inverness while work on a new purpose-built inpatient unit on the banks of the River Ness is completed.
Despite the disruption the hospice has been given a positive report following an unannounced inspection by Healthcare Improvement Scotland last month.
Inspectors praised the service for an excellent staff culture, while service users and families said the standard of care was respectful and compassionate.
The management of the move to decanted facilities was also praised as having been handled “extremely well”.
Hospice inpatient services are currently being delivered from the Fyrish Ward of Invergordon’s County Community Hospital while the day therapy services are operating from Cradlehall Business Park in Inverness.
The new building is due for completion later this year.
Despite the upheaval, the quality of the hospice’s care and support scored ‘Good’, while its information, environment, staffing, management and leadership were all awarded a ‘Very Good’ grade.
Only one requirement was made, around strengthening paperwork and actions plans for infection prevention and control, with eight additional recommendations across a range of factors
Furthermore, the report found that both requirements which were made in its 2014 inspection – regarding electronic patient records and staff background checks prior to commencement of employment – had been met.
Highland Hospice chief executive Kenny Steele said: “Despite the challenges of clinical care being in two temporary locations, the quality of care we are able to offer is still of the highest standard. The report reflects that throughout this decant period we have continued to focus our attention on the personal care of patients and families.”
“We have a culture of continuous improvement and welcome the report’s recommendations as we strive to deliver the highest possible standard of care at all times.”
“We now look forward to moving back to a modernised building where we will be able to continue our great work in the best possible environment for our patients and families.”
