THE Ayrshire Hospice last week received a glowing report following an unannounced inspection.

The publication of Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s saw the hospice achieve three “excellent” and two “very good” grades.

The inspection measured the hospice against five quality themes: information, care and support, environment, staffing, management and leadership.

As a part of their two day visit, inspectors spoke with patients, carers, staff and volunteers. They also inspected the hospice environment and reviewed a range of documentation and practices.

Shona Hynd, Clinical Services Director of the Ayrshire Hospice said “We welcome the findings of the HIS inspectors and their recognition of the very high standard of care that we provide to patients with life-limiting illness across Ayrshire and Arran.

“We were particularly pleased to hear of the “excellent” gradings awarded for the quality of our care and support, the confidential information we handle and patient information we provide, and our motivated, knowledgeable and caring employed and voluntary staff”.

The report states: The “Ayrshire Hospice has a clear commitment to continually improving all aspects of service delivery. We found that patients and carers were at the heart of the service and their ideas and views were used to shape the future of the hospice”.