ST Michael’s Hospice has been praised for its “quality and respect”.

The hospice, which serves the whole of North Hampshire with specialist palliative care to patients affected by life-limiting illness, ensuring they are able to live life to the fullest, has been commended by Care Quality Commission (CQC) for its work.

The Basingstoke-based hospice received a rating of ‘good’ from the CQC after a three-day visit from a team of inspectors, with the favourable rating demonstrating the hospice is performing well in all areas and meeting the requirements set out by the CQC to ensure patient safety.

With five areas examined and given a rating, St Michael’s was awarded a ‘good’ rating for all five.

David Monkman, hospice chief executive, said: “The CQC were particularly impressed with feedback collated from patients, families, friends and associated healthcare professionals. Through this feedback we drive a programme of continual improvement ensuring evolution of care is constant and beneficial to all.

“Future challenges are numerous in the face of an ageing population and limited funding from the NHS but we are on the right track to meet the rising demand for palliative and end-of-life care in North Hampshire.”

St Michael’s provides in-patient, day care and Hospice at Home services as well as a growing range of out-patient services including the therapeutic clinic, complementary therapy and medical consultation.

Family and carer support is also a significant part of the hospice’s work, with all services provided to patients and their families free of charge.

However, St Michael’s does have an annual operating cost of around £3.9 million of which it receives less than 20 per cent through the Hampshire Primary Care Trust, meaning the remaining £3.1 million needs to be raised through donations, fundraising, legacies and its shops in the north Hampshire community.

Mr Monkman added: “The report released by the CQC is justified recognition of the high-quality care that is delivered by all staff and volunteers at St Michael’s Hospice. This outstanding result highlights the level to which we are working whilst constantly striving to improve.”

In just a matter of weeks the hospice will further strengthen their community ties as they gear up to invite the community of north Hampshire to join them for their annual Lift Up a Life event.

The event will set about remembering loved ones who cannot be with their families this Christmas, and will be sponsored by The De La Rue Charitable Trust.

It will take place on Sunday, December 4, at 8pm at the hospice based on Aldermaston Road in Basingstoke.

More information can be found on the website www.stmichaelshospice.org.uk.