PHYLLIS Tuckwell Hospice has published its annual Quality Account, which gives a concise and informative summary of the initiatives and improvements it has implemented over the last year, and outlines those it is planning to introduce in the coming 12 months.

Through this booklet, the charity is able to keep the local community up to date with the care and services which it provides at its hospice in Farnham, Beacon Centre in Guildford, and in patients’ own homes.

Phyllis Tuckwell’s primary focus is always its patients and their families. Recent patient and family surveys which it has conducted, along with a staff survey which it also carried out last year, showed a high level of regard for the charity, with the vast majority of patients and families very happy with the care and support provided, and staff proud to work there.

“We are very pleased with the results of our surveys, and also with the external recognition of our work which we have received over the last year,” said Phyllis Tuckwell’s chief executive Sarah Brocklebank.

“Inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England – resulted in us being awarded ratings of ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ for the services provided from our hospice and Beacon Centre.

“Last November, our clinical team was presented with the Extra Mile Award by the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, in recognition of the exceptional work we do in caring for people living with MND, and in April two of our staff were presented with individual awards for Leadership and Employee of the Year, at the Eagle Radio Biz awards.”

The Quality Account also outlines Phyllis Tuckwell’s recent developments in making its referrals process clearer and easier for patients and GPs, and the plans it has to work more closely with local hospitals, GPs, care homes and district nurses, to improve the continuity of care for its patients.

It is also working towards accepting referrals seven days a week, creating a Rapid Response team to assess patients who need urgent assistance, and building a ‘Living Well’ team which will offer treatment and advice within day services, including well-being and rehabilitative groups, emotional support and complementary therapy.

To read the full Quality Account, where people can find out more about these achievements and planned developments, go to www.pth.org.uk/about-us/monitoring-our-service to download a copy, or pop into the hospice or Beacon Centre to request a printed copy.