CLYDEBANK'S hospice has scored perfect sixes with a glowing inspection report.

St Margaret of Scotland Hospice received an unannounced visit from inspectors on April 26 and 27 and was given top "excellent" marks across all five categories.

And the only thing Heathcare Improvement Scotland could find to point out was suggesting the charity make it easier for staff to suggest improvements.

Bosses were "delighted" with the report which maintains the standard at Scotland's oldest and largest hospice.

The report, published last week, said the hospice gave an "excellent standard of care to patients and relatives".

It concluded: "Staff, including senior management, knew the patients extremely well.

"The service had an excellent range of methods to gather feedback from patients and relatives. Patients were asked each day if there was anything that could make their stay better and wherever possible any suggestions were acted on immediately."

Professor Leo Martin, chairman of St Margaret of Scotland Hospice Board, said thanked the staff, volunteers and supporters who keep the service at its best giving comfort to patients and their families every day.

He said: “The Healthcare Improvement Scotland team again at an unannounced inspection found all aspects of the Hospice inspected to be excellent which is the highest level of grading possible.

"The team specifically commented on how St Margaret of Scotland Hospice’s core values of dignity, quality, advocacy, compassion and justice were evident in every aspect of the care provided.

"This is a marvellous testament to all involved at St Margaret of Scotland Hospice and more importantly shows that we put our patients and their families first in all that we do.

"I would like to acknowledge the committed work of our Chief Executive, Sister Rita, the medical team, the senior management team and all of our staff, volunteers and supporters.

"The hospice movement in Scotland started here in St Margaret of Scotland Hospice and the findings of Healthcare Improvement Scotland published today confirm that it is still a beacon of excellent practice.”