RESPECT, kindness and dignity are just some of the traits staff at a Tilehurst hospice were praised for in a glowing report by the health watchdog.

Care Quality Commission rated Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice as 'good' in all areas following an inspection late last year.

They found the service - which hosted a glamorous wedding last month so one of its patients could escort his daughter along the aisle - had earned rave reviews from both relatives and patients in its care.

Maria Turnbull, head of clinical services, said staff were pleased with the report and they will continue to work towards securing the highest score of 'outstanding.

She said: “We are happy that we have achieved a good rating from the CQC on all 5 key lines of enquiry although we're disappointed and perplexed that we have not achieved outstanding in several areas, given the very complementary detail of the report.

"The report reflects the hard work our staff put in every day, enabling us to provide all our services at the highest standard to patients at Duchess of Kent Hospice.”

Inspectors turned up unannounced on December 1 to score the Liebenrood Road site in five key areas.

They are whether or not the hospice is safe, effective, caring, well led and responsive.

The Duchess of Kent hospice ticked all the boxes, and the report highlights staff's relationships with patients.

It reads: "The service respected people's views and encouraged them to make decisions and choices.

"People and relatives were overwhelmingly positive about the service they received. They told us they were satisfied about the staff approach and about how their care and treatment was delivered.

"The registered manager was described by staff as supportive. Emphasis was placed on continuous improvement of the service."