CHILDREN and young people being cared for at Acorns Children’s Hospice are in safe hands after its hospice was rated ‘outstanding’ in a recent inspection.
The Selly-Oak based hospice, which cares for children from across the region, was visited by healthcare inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) earlier this year.
The hospice provides care and treatment to children and young people, aged between birth and 18 years, who have a life-limiting illness or condition.
Acorns provide a range of services within its hospice including day care, short breaks for children, support into adult services, end of life care, and care after death.
Inspectors found staff were caring and compassionate and people were being provided with safe, responsive, caring, effective and well-led care.
Acosia Nyanin, CQC’s Head of Inspection for Adult Social Care in the central region said: “We were impressed with what we found during our inspection of Acorns Children’s Hospice and inspectors were struck by how caring staff were to those using the service.
“There was a positive and inclusive culture with a range of opportunities for parents, children and young people to share their views about the quality of the service.
“There was an excellent awareness of children and young people’s spiritual and religious and cultural needs so that they and their families had the support they wanted.
“In addition, staff arranged events suited to adolescent girls or boys so young people could socialise with their peers whilst on respite at the hospice and enjoy age appropriate activities such as music or films.
“There had been a range of visiting local celebrities so that young people could share experiences and try their skills at being a DJ or music making.”
They also saw the youngsters enjoyed a variety of play and activities during their respite stays at the hospice including the hydrotherapy pool, a sensory room and a number of outings had been arranged.
Emma Aspinall, Acorns director of care, said: “We’re really pleased that all of our hospices have been recognised by the industry regulator as providing outstanding levels of care and a responsive service.
“The results of the inspections are testament to the commitment and compassion of our dedicated staff and serve to underline the quality of the service we provide.”
Visit www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-113884204 to read the full report.
