Children's hospital Naomi House is truly '˜outstanding' say inspectors

Naomi House & Jacksplace had an unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission late last year.

It lasted for two days and inspectors spoke with nursing staff, carers and family support staff, as well as the children, young people and families that are cared for at the hospices.

The CQC released its findings this week and staff, who help care for people from across the Portsmouth area, were thrilled by what they read.

Chief executive Mark Smith said: ‘Naturally, we are delighted with the result.

‘The checks made by the Care Quality Commission have become increasingly stringent in recent years, and this glowing report is a reflection of the commitment and dedication of our entire team to deliver the very highest standards of care to children, young adults and their families.

‘At Naomi House & Jacksplace we never rest on our laurels, and continually seek to extend and enhance the service we offer families.

‘This overwhelmingly positive report demonstrates that we are always doing our best for the children, young adults and families that we care for, and gives us a platform on which to further develop our service in the coming months and years.’

The inspectors were looking for evidence that the hospices were meeting required standards for quality and suitability of management, caring for people safely and protecting them from harm, treating people with respect and involving them in their care, staffing, and providing care and support that meets people’s needs.

Inspectors said in their report that, ‘Staff were very caring and showed children, young people and their families kindness and compassion.

‘Staff were very motivated and demonstrated a commitment to providing the best quality care in a compassionate way.’

They added: ‘There was a focus on positive risk taking so children and young people could try new experiences.’

Naomi House near Winchester recently underwent a £4m refurbishment which means the charity is now able to care for more medically complex children than ever before.

For more information or to make a donation to the hospice, go to naomihouse.org.uk