Dear Families,

I am writing to share the positive news that Derian House Children’s Hospice has been rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in our latest inspection.

Back in September, a team from the CQC arrived at the hospice for an unannounced inspection. They spent time speaking to staff, leaders, trustees and some of our families. They also reviewed care records and observed how we deliver care.

We are pleased and proud that the inspectors recognised the high-quality, compassionate care given to babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions here at Derian House.

One of the things highlighted most strongly in the report is our person-centred approach to care. Inspectors described the hospice as “exceptional” at putting children and families at the heart of care choices.

They also praised the hospice environment, commenting that it feels “more like a home than a hospital.”

Creating a place where children feel safe, comfortable and cared for, and where families feel supported, is something that means a great deal to us here at Derian, because we know how much you value this.

The CQC assesses services across five areas: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Derian House was rated Good in all five areas, with particularly high marks in caring and responsive.

Although our rating has moved from our previous rating of Outstanding, this inspection took place under the CQC’s brand new Single Assessment Framework, which requires a wider range of evidence than previously, and sets a higher bar for demonstrating quality. This means that achieving a Good rating is more difficult than ever.

We know that families place an enormous amount of trust in us when their children come to stay at Derian House. That trust is something we never take for granted. We are always committed to listening, learning and continually improving our services so that we can provide the best possible care and support for every child and family and we will continue to strive for outstanding in everything we do.

I would also like to sincerely thank you for the role you play in this. Your honest feedback helps to shape the care we provide and ensure that Derian House is the very best it can be in meeting the needs of the children and families we support.

The full report will be published on the CQC website from today (12^th March) and we will also be sharing the news more widely with our supporters and community.

To read the full report click here. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about it, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you for being part of the Derian House family.

With my very best wishes,

Karen D Edwards OBE, CMgr

Chief Executive Officer

CQC Nominated Individual & SIRO