ARDGOWAN Hospice has received a positive report from care inspectors.

The charity, based in Nelson Street, was assessed over a two-day period in August and was rated as excellent, very good and good across different aspects of the service.

The hospice team supports 800 patients and family members in Inverclyde and provides free palliative care for cancer patients and others with life-limiting illnesses in its Access Centre, at its eight-bedded in-patient unit or in their own homes.

Bosses from Health Improvement Scotland made an unannounced visit on August 17 and 18, and gave the service top marks for the excellent quality of staffing and they rated care and support as very good.

The report praised the drop-in service, adding: “We found staff had an excellent culture of respect, which included protecting patient privacy and confidentiality.”

“The service provided plenty of opportunities for patients and carers to share their feedback. Staff appreciated suggestions which could help improve the service.

Inspectors highlighted the good standard of management and leadership and they met patients who said they were pleased with the services on offer. 

They also made some suggestions about how the service could be improved, including the development of an improvement plan and an audit review.

Hospice chiefs say they are pleased to receive such a good report card.

Chief executive Anne Mills said: “This report acknowledges the high standard of care received by patients and their families, and also the dedication of our staff and volunteers.

“The culture embedded across our hospice is one of continuous review and improvement to ensure that we do our very best to provide the highest quality of care, and as ever there is always room for improvement.

“The team has already met most of the report’s recommendations and is on track to complete the others.”