A local hospice has been recently rated "outstanding", up from a previous rating of "good".

Douglas Macmillan's (Dougie Mac) adult hospice has been awarded an 'outstanding' rating in its latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, published today (Friday 27 February).

The hospice was rated 'outstanding' across all five assessment categories, which are 'Safe', 'Effective', 'Caring', 'Responsive' and 'Well-led'.

Dougie Mac believes that they are the only adult hospice in England to currently be rated 'outstanding' across all five categories.

The report

The onsite assessment took place on the 16 and 17 December 2025 following a previous CQC inspection in 2015 for which the hospice was rated 'good' overall.

The latest report said: "Douglas Macmillan Hospice had a proactive, systematic approach to managing safety.

"Leaders embedded, maintained and sought to continuously improve a culture of openness and collaboration, and safety was everyone's top priority."

The report added that "the service always made sure people's care and treatment was effective by thoroughly assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them."

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The inspectors also highlighted the care and support provided by the hospice to its patients and their willingness to accommodate holidays and celebrations.

They said: "Without exception, all patients and relatives we spoke with told us they were happy with the care and support provided.

"We heard of many examples of patients and their families being treated with kindness and compassion.

"For example, we heard how the staff had brought Christmas forward for one family and mimicked Christmas at home for another, how weddings had been turned around in 24 hours, and how wedding banners were arranged as well as cupcakes."

The person-centred care offered by Dougie Mac was also celebrated in the report: "The service was exceptional at making sure people were at the centre of their care and treatment choices and they decided, in partnership with people, how to respond to any relevant changes in people's needs.

The inspectors also noted that "staff felt leaders were visible and approachable across the organisation, they felt well supported by them and told us they knew their door was always open".

They added: "The service promoted equality, diversity and inclusivity. All faiths were welcomed and celebrated. There was a recognition that staff's cultural backgrounds and values differed and were respected to provide a diverse and inclusive workforce."

Dougie Mac

Dougie Mac has been operating in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire for over 50 years, offering hospice services to thousands of local people every year.

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The hospice began as a home for those receiving a cancer diagnosis but this has since expanded to care for a range of patients including those with advanced heart failure, motor neurone disease, incurable lung disease and dementia.  

David Webster, Chief Executive of Dougie Mac, welcomed the report and said: "We are immensely proud to have achieved this rating, which represents a significant milestone for our hospice and the wider community we are privileged to serve. 

"This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication, professionalism and commitment of our staff. I am honoured to lead such an exceptional team, each of whom has played a vital role in securing this outstanding recognition. 

"I am continually inspired by the compassion, resilience and integrity demonstrated by our colleagues, who support patients and families through the most challenging of times. Their commitment knows no bounds."

He added: "We are also deeply grateful to our local community, whose unwavering support makes our work possible. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or simply championing our cause, our community stands alongside us every day - this Outstanding rating belongs to them just as much as it does to our team." 

Roger James, CQC Director of Hospitals, told Dougie Mac: "When we visited Douglas Macmillan Hospice, we found a positive culture which put people at the heart of their own care, creating a trusted relationship between staff, people and their loved ones all while ensuring their safety and wellbeing.  

"As part of the hospice's culture, it was apparent that leaders gave staff thorough support and development opportunities, enabling them to work well together to provide safe care for people. 

"Overall, leaders and staff should be incredibly proud of the care they provide and the culture they have implemented, which is clearly appreciated by people and the local community."   

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To read the full report, visit the CQC website here.