Representatives of the CQC were on site for the day in February and they spoke to a variety of team members, reviewed care records of patients, and spoke to patients staying at the Hospice.

They spoke of team members who were clearly committed and passionate about what they do. Patients fed back that care was individualised to them and made to feel as though they were the ‘only patient’ being cared for.

Mark Jarman-Howe, Chief Executive of St Helena Hospice, praised the charity’s staff and volunteers:

“I'm delighted that the boldness, passion and care of our teams has resulted in the continuation of our Outstanding rating and a ringing endorsement from the CQC.

“I feel immensely proud to be part of St Helena and thank everyone involved for their continued commitment to helping people face incurable illness and bereavement.”

Jo Tonkin, Director of Nursing, added:

“I would like to say thank you to everyone that in some way supports patients and families at St Helena Hospice. I am very proud to say our recent assessment resulted in an Outstanding CQC rating and a glowing report that highlights some of the excellent work we do at St Helena. 

“This report and rating demonstrates the hard work, care, commitment, passion and compassion demonstrated every day. It really does make a difference to our local population.

“I am very proud to be at St Helena working with such an amazing team. Our work is never done, and we strive hard to continue to learn and develop our services to meet the needs of those who come into our care.”

During 2023/24:

41,924 calls were received by SinglePoint

2,450 patients were supported by SinglePoint

827 people had bereavement support

2,103 people had a contact from the Hospice in the Home clinical nurse specialists (CNS)

998 across north east Essex had a home visit from a CNS

345 people were admitted to the Hospice inpatient unit in Colchester

4,248 people were supported by St Helena overall (patients and bereaved)

In summary, the CQC report concluded:

"Throughout the assessment, we received positive comments and feedback from people who used the service, relatives, staff and health professionals. All patient's felt safe, well cared for and knew who to contact should they need to. They reported they were involved in the planning of their care and were kept informed of what would happen next. Patients felt staff delivered care that enabled them to remain well and independent physically, emotionally and mentally. They were supported to live as they wished and care was coordinated with staff working to support patient choice. Comments included, "Staff are very approachable", "Staff are phenomenal, they are people of peace", and one patient reported his experience had "surpassed my expectations"."

View the CQC report