Outstanding in Every Way: Dougie Mac Achieves Top CQC Rating Across All Five Areas

Dougie Mac is proud to announce that its adult hospice has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – the highest rating possible and an upgrade from its previous ‘Good’ rating.

What’s more, the Stoke-on-Trent hospice is the only adult hospice in England to currently be rated Outstanding in all five assessment categories – safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

The hospice received its upgraded Outstanding rating following a CQC inspection in December 2025. The CQC’s report, released this morning (27th February), praised Dougie Mac’s positive culture which puts people at the heart of their own care.

“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."

— David Webster, Dougie Mac Chief Executive

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.”

Dougie Mac has been providing care to people across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire for more than 50 years, offering a wide range of hospice services to thousands of local people every year. The hospice began as a home for those receiving a cancer diagnosis, but over the last 50 years its services have grown and 40% of care is now for patients with a non-cancer diagnosis, including advanced heart failure, motor neurone disease, incurable lung disease and dementia.

Commenting on Dougie Mac’s Outstanding rating, Roger James, CQC Director of Hospitals, said, “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.”

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Under the CQC inspection regime, hospices are subject to the same level of scrutiny as hospitals. The commission monitors, inspects and regulates services to ensure fundamental standards of quality and safety are met.

The full report is be published on CQC’s website.