A HOSPICE which helps thousands of people across south Essex with life-threatening illnesses has been handed an outstanding rating following an unannounced visit from a health watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission gave St Luke’s Hospice, based at Fobbings Farm, in Nethermayne, Basildon the top rating in three categories - effectiveness, care and responsiveness. It scored good for leadership.

A spokesman for the hospice, which provides specialist palliative care, said: “Of course, we are really pleased that our hard work has been recognised by an outside body, but it’s all about the patients.

“We do have various venue streams, but generating income is difficult out there, it’s an extremely competitive fundraising environment.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated to us. Without their support this just wouldn’t have been possible.”

Friday’s report was published following an inspection in December.

The watchdog also contacted patients and their families for feedback.

One person said: “I feel very safe. I trust them completely. They are very good.”

A hospice volunteer added: “On a personal level, when I have had very close friends and family in the in-patient unit, I have always felt very welcomed in a relaxed, safe environment, even though your world is falling apart because you are losing someone close to you.

“All colleagues are very caring too, when you are going through this difficult time. I always feel I have people to talk to.”

At the time of the inspection there were three people using the in-patient service and around 500 people using day services.

The day services offer a range of support for patients recently diagnosed with life-limiting conditions.

In the report, a Care Quality Commission spokesman said: “People received effective care, based on best practice from staff with the knowledge and specialist skills to manage their pain and physical symptoms.

“Staff received excellent training and support to gain practical skills as well as develop their knowledge and abilities further and met people`s needs holistically.

“Staff made exceptional efforts to ensure people could achieve their preferred place of death.”

The inspector added that the service was caring, and highlighted the kindness of staff who treated patients with compassion and respect.

The report reads: “The service provided effective end of life care and people were enabled to experience a comfortable, dignified and pain-free death.

St Luke’s are for patients with cancer, and other life-limiting illnesses.