Garden House Hospice Care has been awarded an accreditation from Herts County Council which recognises steps taken to allow people with learning disabilities to access its services.
The Purple Star Award is an accreditation from the county council which is given to organisations that have made reasonable adjustments to ensure people with learning disabilities have the same access to care services as anyone else.
Staff at the hospice – which is based in Letchworth and serves North Herts and Stevenage – welcomed members of the Purple All Stars from St Albans to celebrate the achievement.
The Purple All Stars work to spread health messages which teach others about the health needs of people with learning disabilities through singing, performances, photographs and graffiti art.
The Herts County Council-run service also has groups in Letchworth, Hemel Hempstead, and Cheshunt.
Jayne Dingemans, who is the director of patient services at the hospice, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award for many of our services.
“The clinical teams have all worked extremely hard and being awarded a purple star has given our teams a real sense of achievement.”
The award was presented by Expert by Experience’s Gavin Howcroft and Louise Jenkins, strategic liaison nurse from the county council’s health liaison team.
Commending the hospice staff, Gavin said: “You’ve done it!
“It has been great working with you all.
“The hospice is a peaceful place and I would like to thank you to signing up for this accreditation and for making reasonable adjustments for patients and families with learning disabilities.”
Accredited services include the inpatient unit, the Hawthorne centre – which provides day services – and family support.
Staff at the hospice in Gillison Close aim to have accrediation for its hospice at home service next month.
Louise told members of the Garden House team: “You have been a fantastic staff team to work with, and this award has been an easy win for you as you clearly individualise all the care you provide to patients.
“We are keen to work with you to keep the standard up and help you keep improving for the benefit of people with learning disabilities.”
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