“Back in 1994, palliative care was still a relatively new speciality. We were learning and developing our understanding of symptom management and the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach,” Claire recalls. “The introduction of palliative care qualifications for nursing and medical staff helped raise standards, and as we progressed, we saw just how much of a difference quality care could make.”

Fast forward to today, and Ashgate is once again celebrating an Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a reflection of the dedication and high standards Claire speaks so proudly of.

Maintaining Outstanding care 

Our most recent CQC inspection marks a continuation of our commitment to excellence. While our last inspection was back in 2014, Claire is keen to highlight that this is not a one-off achievement. “Since 2015, we’ve consistently maintained our Outstanding rating,” she explains. “It’s not just about meeting legal and regulatory requirements – it’s about continually improving the quality of care we provide. We’re always adapting to new guidance, responding to feedback, and working to innovate.” 

The impact on our community 

So, how does an “Outstanding” rating impact the people we care for in North Derbyshire? According to Claire, it strengthens our reputation as a leader in specialist palliative and end of life care. “Our local community deserves the best, and by showcasing the high-quality care we provide, we hope to reinforce our reputation and confidence in our ability to deliver exceptional services. This recognition can be instrumental in our ongoing efforts to secure fair and sustainable funding, ensuring that everyone who needs our care can access it.” 

How the ‘One Ashgate’ culture drives quality care

“When I think about our success, it’s clear that our people make the difference,” says Claire. “Our ‘One Ashgate’ philosophy brings everyone together, from the clinical teams to volunteers, all working towards the same goal. It’s about building a culture where learning, compassion, and innovation are central, and everyone feels valued in the journey we’re on to provide the best possible care.” 

What CQC saw in action 

One of the most significant moments during the recent CQC inspection was the opportunity to showcase the full breadth of Ashgate’s services. “The inspectors were impressed by the warm welcome they received, and how we took the time to showcase all our services,” Claire notes. “One of the inspectors even joined a Tai Chi session with our Day Services patients! They were really moved by the experiences shared by our patients, staff and volunteers, and it was a beautiful reminder of why the work we do matters.” 

Looking to the future 

As Claire acknowledges, maintaining an Outstanding rating requires ongoing effort and commitment. “As a hospice, we’re always looking for ways to improve,” she says. “We’ve recently made strides in improving clinical documentation, ensuring care plans are truly individualised, refining risk assessments, and further developing the Single Point of Access service. We also learn from patient feedback, which helps us focus on what really makes a difference to people and refine our processes to provide the best possible care.” 

Looking ahead, Claire is confident in Ashgate’s ability to keep evolving. “Healthcare is always changing, and we’re ready to adapt. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we’ll keep raising the bar for specialist palliative and end of life care. I’m incredibly proud of all the hard work that has gone into achieving this Outstanding rating, and I look forward to seeing how we continue to improve and support our community.” 

In closing, Claire’s pride is evident. “I’m proud of everyone at Ashgate – staff, volunteers, and supporters – who have contributed to making us the outstanding organisation we are. It’s a team effort, and together, we will continue to provide the exceptional care that the people of North Derbyshire deserve.”