Rated Outstanding by the CQC
At Rotherham Hospice
Our CQC rating at a glance
- Overall rating: Outstanding
On 10 December 2024, the CQC assessed Rotherham Hospice and awarded us an Overall rating of Outstanding — the highest possible judgement.
- Caring: Outstanding
Staff and volunteers were described as kind, caring and compassionate, consistently protecting privacy and dignity and involving people in decisions.
- Well‑led: Outstanding
Clear strategic vision, modernised governance and an open, inclusive culture.
- Safe: Good
Strong safeguarding, safe staffing and clean, well‑equipped environments.
What the CQC said about us
Compassionate, personalised care
Patients, families and carers gave consistently positive feedback. People felt teams “took a genuine interest” in their wellbeing, and were confident their loved ones would be well cared for.
Only regional hospice offering the full spectrum of care — free of charge
We provide inpatient care, 24/7 Hospice at Home, day services, adult and children’s bereavement support (including dedicated teenage support), and multi‑faith chaplaincy — at no cost to patients and families.
Standout practices recognised by CQC
- Neuro‑inclusive care: we accept referrals from neurodiverse people and provide assistive technology where needed.
- Paws at Peace: a unique, UK‑first pet kennel service that helps people’s cats and dogs be cared for promptly so admissions aren’t delayed.
- 24/7 unrestricted visiting: one of very few UK hospices to offer this, according to patients’ wishes.
- Community engagement: sector‑leading outreach using local census data to tailor services and improve equity of access.
Real moments that mattered
In April 2024, our team pulled together a short-notice wedding so an inpatient could be there for their daughter. Care was adjusted with a syringe driver to keep symptoms controlled, and the family were “full of praise” for everyone involved.
We don’t place blanket restrictions on visiting. The CQC noted we’re among very few UK hospices to offer 24/7 unrestricted visiting aligned to each person’s wishes—so families can simply be with one another.
A dedicated therapy space offers aromatherapy and gentle treatments for patients, visitors and staff. CQC heard how bespoke oil blends even helped one patient wearing a nebuliser, and how we created a mini spa day for someone who couldn’t attend her daughter’s hen party. Hairdressing and bathing services sit alongside this, for dignity and lift.
Every inpatient arrives to a welcome box with toiletries, mindfulness activities and a personal note—later kept as a memory box to fill together. We’re also adding disposable or handheld digital cameras so families can capture moments as they happen.
Safe, clean and well equipped
The CQC found clean, modern and comfortable facilities throughout, with accessible call bells, outdoor spaces from most rooms, and state‑of‑the‑art heating, cooling and air filtration. New beds even allow couples to be together when that matters most.
Our people and culture
Skilled, supported teams
Staff have wide opportunities for learning and development, simulation training, and dedicated education champions. Safety is prioritised and clinical supervision is robust.
Speak‑up, improvement culture
Leaders promote a blame‑free, open culture; staff feel listened to and concerns are acted on. Governance is described as sector‑leading, with modern structures, clear risk management and continuous audit.
Wellbeing that’s more than words
From reflection meetings and Schwartz Rounds to an industry‑leading pay model and quarterly CEO‑led town halls, staff wellbeing is embedded and visible.
What this means for Rotherham
Being rated Outstanding affirms our commitment to compassion, choice and dignity for all — and to adding more life to every day for anyone in our community affected by terminal illness.
Key highlights from the report
- Outstanding care experience: “overwhelmingly positive feedback,” hundreds of thank‑you notes, and swift responses to needs and call bells.
- Inclusive and equitable: proactive outreach, multifaith engagement, and targeted work with underserved communities.
- Joined‑up support: daily multidisciplinary huddles, strong partnerships with GPs, hospitals and community teams for seamless care.
- Safeguarding excellence: trustees and staff trained to appropriate levels; structured forums driving continuous improvement.
How you can support our work
We have plenty of events throughout the year to keep you busy! Whether you join hundreds of those walking in memory at our Midnight Walk, take on a challenge like a Skydive or Yorkshire Three Peaks, or run for #TeamRH, find something fun and for a good cause.
We’re a local, independent charity providing personalised end of life care for people across Rotherham. Whether at home or in our hospice, our focus is on what matters most to each individual and offering comfort, dignity and choice throughout. We rely on your donations to keep our vital services going. Any donation, big or small, helps us add more life every day to our patients and their loved ones.
Whether it’s a bake sale in your community, a quiz night at your local or even a special challenge you’ve always wanted to do for yourself – we’re here to help you at every step! Get in touch and we’ll provide you with fundraising materials, advice and encouragement along the way.