Inspectors from a government health watchdog have heaped praise on Hospice in the Weald for the exceptional level of care it provides its terminally ill patients.

In July the Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited the charity based in Maidstone Road, Pembury as part of a routine inspection.

They highlighted a raft of good practice, including the new 'cottage hospice care' scheme, a project which provides palliative care to people in the community.

Hospice in the Weald currently run a 17-bed inpatient unit and day procedures room as well as their day service used about 120 people per week. Additionally, staff provide direct support to about 700 people in their own homes.

G4S patient transport service is withdrawing the ambulance transport for day service users in September, prompting concerns the day centre facility will become inaccessible for some terminally patients.

Praise was also given caring and empathetic staff, a strong medicine administration process and the range of social activities and the work done to meet the spiritual needs of patients.

The hospice was rated for providing 'outstanding' for caring and responsiveness, and 'good' in all other areas.

Deborah Ivanova, deputy chief inspector of adult social care, said: "Hospice in the Weald delivered an exceptional level of care.

"Both the provider and staff should feel proud of the work they do and of the outstanding support they provide."

Hospice in the Weald chief executive Rob Woolley, said: "We strive to be excellent but there are always things we can do better.

"It is nice to have what we do recognised but wee won't rest on our laurels. We will stay focused on maintaining standards and keeping our eye on the ball."

Peter Ellis nursing director aded: “We make every effort as a hospice to ensure that we deliver the sort of high-quality care that anyone would want at the end of life. We are very pleased to have received this outstanding rating as we think this reflects the reality of the compassionate, individualised, supportive and holistic care we believe we deliver.”