A hospice criticised by inspectors for not protecting its staff from bullying has revealed how it plans to get back on track.

A team from the Care Quality Commission found the Pilgrims Hospice in Thanet requires improvement after an unannounced visit earlier in the year.

They highlighted concerns about the way staff have been treated and how out-of-date medicines were stored.

Now bosses have released the details of their action plan and say they are determined to learn lessons from the inspectors’ report.

When it comes to staff morale, chief executive Cate Russell says the charity has introduced a Board to Ward forum where staff members can share ideas with trustees, best-practice workshops, annual review meetings, regular leadership training days and more detailed staff and volunteer inductions.

She said: “We were concerned about the CQC comments suggesting that there is low morale and a bullying culture in Thanet and we have been redoubling our efforts to understand and address this.

“We know people work hard in every part of this charity – from our fundraisers to our nurses and doctors – and we want to ensure they come to work in a happy and healthy environment.

“No active informal or formal concerns about bullying or harassment have been raised by staff so, together with the human resources team, I have been looking at the best ways to the heart of any issues that arise.”

Mrs Russell says staff will be given extra training around the disposal of out-of-date medicines and senior nurses will now complete a formal weekly stock take monthly spot checks to ensure the hospice’s policy is being followed.

The Thanet Pilgrims Hospice is Ramsgate Road, Margate.