Updated 15 January 2024
St Helena Hospice helps local people facing incurable illness and bereavement in North East Essex. Established in 1985, their purpose is to enable local people with a life limiting incurable illness to live well and die with dignity and choice. They support families, including children, who have a loved one in their care, before and after bereavement through counselling, family support and social work. St Helena also supports adults and children over the age of five in North East Essex facing bereavement, regardless of the cause or place of death of their loved one. They care for patients in their own homes, or at their Myland Hall site in Colchester, which is home to The Hospice and Joan Tomkins Centre. Myland Hall is also the base for the Hospice in the Home community services, including the End of Life hub for North East Essex, which co-ordinates all out of hospital End of Life care. Administrative headquarters are also in Colchester, on the Severalls Industrial Park. They have a chain of 22 shops and donation centres across the region. The assessment commenced on 15 January 2024 and included an unannounced visit to the service by a team of inspectors and specialist advisor on 6 February 2024. We looked at 5 quality statements; Safe Systems, Pathways & Transitions; Safe & Effective Staffing; Monitoring & Improving Outcomes; Care Provision, Integration & Continuity; and Governance & Assurance. Following the assessment, the service has received an overall rating of outstanding.