Hospice is praised in surprise inspection

INSPECTORS have praised the standard of care at a wellknown hospice after an unannounced visit.

The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow received “excellent” grades in three categories and “very good” ratings in the remaining two after a visit by officials from Health Protection Scotland.

The Carlton Place-based hospice, which cares for more than 1,200 patients and families every year in day care and on the wards, received “excellent” grades for involving patients in the planning of their care and treatment, the quality of staffing, management and leadership. It was also graded “very good” for quality of care and support and environment.

Inspectors recommended that the hospice should improve the system and process for recording medicines reconciliation and should develop the infection control audit plan to include other standard infection control precautions, such as waste and linen management.

Rhona Baillie, chief executive of the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, said: “Glasgow’s hospice prides itself on providing comfort and peace of mind as well as support for the physical and emotional problems related to a life-limiting illness.

“We always say we may not be able to add days to lives but we can add life to days. Respect for patient choice means we can provide the most comfortable end to a patient’s journey.”