STAFF and volunteers at Willowbrook are celebrating after being rated as ‘Outstanding’ in their recent CQC inspection.

This news came straight after the celebrations for the fact that the hospice's Clinical Director, Chris Haywood, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

Staff and volunteers at Willowbrook Hospice are continuing the year on a high after receiving an this rating from the Care Quality Commission – the independent regulator of health and social care services in England.

Under the new CQC inspection regime, hospices are also subject to the same level of scrutiny as hospitals and Willowbrook is the only Hospice in Cheshire and Merseyside to receive this rating.

The report praised the team for their compassion in supporting people’s emotional and physical needs.

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The Hospice, which support palliative and end of life care to patients, were also praised for the 'individualised, safe care to patients living with complex symptoms and life-limiting conditions’.

Alan Chick, Chair of Trustees at Willowbrook Hospice, said: “I am thrilled that Willowbrook has been found to be outstanding by the CQC.

"It is recognition of the impact of all our staff and volunteers across the Hospice and the Trading Company resulting from their hard work, commitment and dedication as a member of the Willowbrook family.

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"We know that our staff and volunteers deliver outstanding care every day and to have this acknowledged by the CQC is excellent and a very exciting start to 2020.

"On behalf of our Executive Management Team and the Board of Trustees, I would like to say a massive thank you and congratulations to each and every member of our Willowbrook family.”

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The Executive Management Team added: “To all our loyal supporters – without whom this would not have been possible, whether you generously give your time, money or skills to Willowbrook we hope that you will continue to help us to provide this much-needed outstanding care in the future.

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"Every year, we continue to raise over £3m to supplement our NHS/CCG grant in order to deliver all our services.

"We are outstanding because you’re outstanding. Thank you!”

The full Willowbrook inspection report will be published on the CQC website this week at cqc.org.uk