CLATTERBRIDGE Cancer Centre has been rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission following a recent inspection.

The health watcdog's report, published today, praises the centre's "enthusiastic" staff, leadership of its trust treatment innovations that include a chemotherapy chair and a bone strengthening drug called Adjuvant Zoledronatec, that is found to prevent the spread of some newly-diagnosed breast cancers.

There was also a special mention for Callie, the Wirral centre’s pet therapy dog who visits the wards.

The CQC's report says: "The positivity and compassion shown by staff and reflected in the feedback from patients was outstanding.

"A patient receiving treatment on the Delamere Daycase Unit told us that 'cancer is the loneliest place to be in the world, when you’re standing in a storm alone and wondering what to do and it’s dark and then suddenly you've got all these friendly faces looking at you and offering you a hand to get through.

"'That's what the staff here do, they pull you through or even carry you through the storm which is the darkest time of your life and they lighten it up for you'."

"We spoke with the parents of a child who was having radiotherapy; they said the treatment and care their child had received was exemplary especially by the specialist radiographer."

Andrew Cannell, chief executive of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are delighted with the overall rating of Outstanding from the Care Quality Commission.

"The recognition of treatment innovations we have introduced is testament to our commitment to transform cancer care in Cheshire and Merseyside.

"Our new hospital, due to open in Liverpool City Centre in 2019, will ensure we are able to continue to be at the forefront of cancer care and deliver first-class services for our patients both now and into the future.

"I am very proud of the hard work and dedication shown by all our staff and volunteers.

"They fully deserve this rating.

"However we are always looking to improve in everything we do and we will ensure we learn from all areas of the inspectors' feedback as we look towards the future and working closely and positively with the community we serve."