Supporting over 4,800 patients and families each year, the hospice provides free, expert end-of-life care that aims to empower more people with a life-limiting illness to live well and die with dignity.
Operating from two hospice hubs in Yeovil and Taunton, with outreach teams based in Minehead, South Petherton, Wincanton and Glastonbury, St Margaret’s uses a hub-and-spoke model that includes a specialist 12-bed In-Patient Unit, Community Nursing services, and day-hospice care delivered through its two Sunflower Centres.
The hospice’s Central Referral Centre (CRC) and 24-hour Advice Line provide comprehensive countywide telephone support, while the organisation’s out-patient and outreach services offer physical and psychological therapy, spiritual care, and complementary therapy. The hospice also delivers bereavement services for people of all ages, helping families and carers cope with the loss of a loved one.
With expert clinical teams that collaborate with GP practices, district nurses, community hospitals, and care homes – the hospice delivers 95% of its care through their outpatient service in hospice hubs, in people’s homes and in the community.
In 2015, St Margaret’s achieved a historic milestone as it became the first hospice in the country to earn 'outstanding' ratings across four of the five Care Quality Commission domains. This recognition was reaffirmed in 2024, when the CQC awarded the organisation an overall 'Outstanding' rating, with safety upgraded from 'Good' to 'Outstanding'. Inspectors specifically highlighted the hospice's translation services and tailored support for people with disabilities, while also commended the way staff are encouraged to "think of each person as a unique individual" – an approach that underpins its responsive, person-centred care.
As an anchor organisation in Somerset, St Margaret’s plays a vital role in the local healthcare infrastructure. Working alongside organisations such as Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, the Integrated Care Board, Somerset Council, Marie Curie Cancer Care, and local third sector partners. Their partnerships extend to care homes, ambulance services, and education providers, offering placements for student nurses, medical students, and healthcare professionals. The hospice’s influence therefore extends beyond direct care, enabling other settings to provide high quality end-of-life services through training, resources, and shared expertise. This collaborative approach ensures that the entire healthcare landscape in Somerset benefits from St Margaret’s knowledge and leadership.
Learn more about their work here.
