CORNWALL’S two adult hospices have received top class ratings from the Care Quality Commission. Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell has been recognised as “outstanding” and at St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle the team are rated as “good”.

Both hospices have recently experienced unannounced inspections from the CQC.

Gina Starnes is the director of clinical services at Cornwall Hospice Care, the charity that operates both hospices: “I’m absolutely delighted for both hospice teams who’ve worked so hard to ensure our wards are safe, welcoming and caring.

“Both hospices have the same policies, procedures and clinical governance but I’m told by the CQC the inspector’s reports are based on the findings on the day of their visit and the evidence shared at the time.

“For me it shows that we’ve made very positive moves since the last inspections and this is down to our hospice teams who continue to make a real difference.”

Paul Brinsley, the charity’s chief executive, said: “I’m proud of each and every person at our hospices and thank them all for their commitment and hard work.”

Both hospices provide 24/7 end of life support for people with terminal illnesses and their families. Mount Edgcumbe Hospice was the first hospice in Cornwall and was opened in 1980.