- Hospice service
North London Hospice
Report from 1 February 2024 assessment
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
North London Hospice is a registered charity which provides a range of services including inpatient, outpatient, community and day services for adults with life limiting illnesses and palliative care needs for people in the London boroughs of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey. The hospice has an inpatient unit. There is also a multi-professional community palliative care team which provides symptom control advice, psychological, spiritual and emotional support, and a palliative care support service based at the hospice that provides practical care for people who live in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey. Other services offered by the hospice included complementary therapies, outpatients, physiotherapy, spiritual support and bereavement support for families, friends and carers of people using its services.
People's experience of this service
Patients at the hospice report a positive experience, characterized by safety, responsiveness, and effectiveness in care delivery. The hospice’s commitment to patient-centered care, comprehensive support, and continuous improvement ensures that patients and their families feel well-cared for and supported throughout their care journey. Patients reported they felt safe due to the hospice’s strong safeguarding policies and procedures. Staff knew how to identify and report risks, ensuring that they protected vulnerable patients from harm. Staff occasionally did not complete a risk assessment for each patient on admission using a recognised tool, and assessments were not always reviewed regularly. Implementing consistent and regular risk assessments would enhance patient safety. Patients appreciated the hospice’s responsiveness to their needs, particularly through the urgent access and rapid discharge pathways. These systems ensured that they delivered care promptly and efficiently. The hospice actively involved patients and their families in care planning and decision-making. This engagement ensured that they tailored care plans to meet individual needs and preferences, enhancing the overall care experience. The hospice ensured continuity of care through coordinated transitions between services. Staff provided clear and compassionate communication during these transitions, helping patients and families feel supported and informed. Patients reported receiving good-quality, individualised care that met their clinical needs and personal expectations. The hospice used reliable data to monitor and improve care outcomes, ensuring that care was consistently effective. Daily multi-disciplinary meetings and thorough discharge planning contributed to the effectiveness of care. These processes ensured that they considered and coordinated all aspects of a patient’s care. Patients benefited from a range of supportive resources, including communication aids and translation services.