A HOSPICE charity is officially still 'Outstanding'.

Weldmar Hospicecare, a specialist end of life care provider for people living in Dorset, has retained the highest possible rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - the independent regulator for all health and social care services in England.

The charity has held an 'Outstanding' rating since 2016, and bosses are thrilled to have their continued good work recognised.

The CQC has been unable to carry out routine inspections of the charity this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but, after speaking to service users, the organisation had no cause for concern so has not changed the 'Outstanding' rating.

Caroline Hamblett, chief executive of Weldmar, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Weldmar Hospicecare has been once again recognised as an outstanding organisation and we pay huge thanks to every single colleagues across the charity, whether paid or voluntary, ensuring that our services are safe, well led, responsive, effective and above all else, caring.

"Throughout the pandemic, we have ensure that all our services can still be provided at our inpatient unit and throughout the community. Our colleagues have continued to provide our high-quality care with the addition of PPE restrictions and other social distancing guidelines that have been in place, and actually provided more bereavement and clinical care than ever before."