DELIGHTED staff are celebrating after a hospice which cares for patients with terminal illnesses was ranked as outstanding by health watchdogs.

St Helena Hospice received the top grade following a visit from the Care Quality Commission.

Following the inspection, the hospice was given the highest grade of outstanding in two out of five areas.

The caring nature of staff and the responsiveness of the services provided were singled out as exceptional.

The report said: “People told us they were supported by staff who were exceptionally kind, caring and compassionate.

“Staff were willing to go the extra mile to ensure people received the care and support they wanted.

“People received care that was exceptionally personalised to their individual needs.

“Staff worked in partnership with people to develop care plans which enabled them, as far as possible, to fulfil their wishes and goals.”

St Helena Hospice helps people across Colchester and north Essex living with an incurable illness to live well and die with dignity and choice.

From April last year until March this year the hospice supported around 7,650 people.

The service also received high praise for being well-led, safe and effective.

“People, relatives and healthcare professionals consistently praised the excellent standards of care, treatment and support provided by hospice staff,” inspectors added.

“People received excellent care which was founded on best practice guidance.

“Staff demonstrated a commitment to ensuring people were able to make choices about the care they received.”

Ray Wilson, director of patient and family services, said: “We are delighted St Helena Hospice has been rated by the CQC as Outstanding. “All aspects of our services were inspected, including the inpatient unit, day services and community services.

“The inspectors were extremely impressed and highly complimentary across the board.

“I am extremely proud of the staff and volunteers who demonstrate every day a high quality in all we do for patients and families.”