NAOMI House Children's Hospice has been rated outstanding again by the national care watchdog.

The centre in Sutton Scotney impressed inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on a surprise visit in December.

And Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has paid tribute to its "inspiring" work.

The new report highlights the inclusion of children in how Naomi House and Jacksplace are run, a holistic approach to care and a service based on the children's diverse needs.

Of 1,337 reports issued in the past month, only 17 organisations have been rated outstanding.

The CQC's Deborah Ivanova said: “We know how challenging, yet rewarding it is to work in such a service, and we were struck by the extent to which the hospice places the children and young people at the heart of everything it does."

The report included opinions of families who use the service. One bereaved parent who was receiving counselling and support from the charity's family support team told inspectors: “It's been extraordinary and they have normalized it and made it ok. We have just felt so looked after and I can't fault them. They can have a big shiny star from me.”

Mark Smith, chief executive at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: “The checks made by the Care Quality Commission have become increasingly stringent in recent years, and this glowing report is a reflection of the commitment and dedication of our entire team to deliver the very highest standards of care to children, young adults and their families.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt (above, right) paid the hospice a visit recently and said a lot of thought had gone into caring for its seriously ill children.

He was brought to the hospice by Winchester MP Steve Brine, his parliamentary private secretary.

In a letter to Naomi House following the visit, Mr Hunt said; “It was inspiring to see the work that you do first hand, and in particular to meet some of the children and families that you so vitally provide support to. The passion of your staff was clear to see, as was the relief that you provide to parents during difficult times."

He added: "Congratulations on the new building, the facilities look superb and I was impressed with the thought that had gone into the design to ensure that children and their families have the most comfortable experience, both physically and emotionally.”

Mr Brine said: “The fact Naomi House is outstanding comes as no surprise to those of us who know it and support it but it's very sweet to get the official stamp from the CQC. Congratulations to all the team and fundraisers. The quality of the service is clearly to the highest standard possible but I have a feeling the best of yet to come for Naomi House and I think there's much they do which the rest of the sector can learn from.”