A CHARITY that looks after people with HIV has been rated outstanding by the health watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission praised the leadership and care at The Sussex Beacon adding that staff go the "extra mile to support patients to maintain independence”.

The charity provides specialist support and care for people living with HIV, through a 10-bed inpatient unit and outpatient services.

Inspectors visited in March this year, looking in detail at its work.

Their report published yesterday (Friday 23/09) highlighted several areas of outstanding practice including the flexibility of the service, engagement of patients and relatives and leadership.

Chief executive Simon Dowe said: “I am immensely proud of the results of this report and of the professional, caring team.

"The staff here are incredibly passionate about the service we provide and we’re delighted that those using our services had only positive feedback.

"We’ve always put patients at the heart of everything we do and it’s fantastic that comes across.”