Why Poole hospice care earned an outstanding rating

By AtheneNet Newsroom

Published 18 August 2026

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has been rated outstanding after inspectors found highly personalised, compassionate support for patients, families and carers across Poole, Bournemouth and East Dorset.

The Care Quality Commission upgraded the hospice’s overall rating from good following a routine inspection in April. The result covers its community-based palliative care, specialist services and end-of-life care.

The regulator’s report gives local families independent evidence about the quality of the service and how staff respond when illness changes a person’s needs. Inspectors highlighted accessible clinic locations, sensitive planning for future care and close work with external health professionals.

Caring and responsive services rated outstanding

The CQC upgraded the hospice’s ratings for caring and responsive services from good to outstanding. Safe, effective and well-led services were each rated good.

Inspectors found an inclusive culture in which staff treated people as individuals and adjusted care around their circumstances. In one case, a person felt anxious about attending a clinical setting because of cleanliness concerns. Staff cleaned equipment and surfaces in front of them, providing enough reassurance for the person to attend and receive treatment.

Another patient experienced discomfort while undressing at a lymphoedema clinic. Staff used the moment to discuss the person’s pain and medication before adapting the treatment plan.

Catherine Campbell, the CQC’s deputy director of hospitals, secondary and specialist care in the South West, said feedback from patients, relatives and other professionals was overwhelmingly positive. One patient described entering Lewis-Manning as feeling “wrapped in a cloud of warmth and happiness.”

Patients helped to retain choice and independence

People were offered choices about how and where they received support. Lewis-Manning selected clinic locations with public transport users in mind, helping patients attend services in settings that suited their circumstances.

Staff also received training for sensitive discussions about future care, including end-of-life decisions. This allowed patients to express choices reflecting their values and wishes rather than having plans made without their involvement.

Inspectors found that the hospice’s approach could affect everyday independence as well as clinical symptoms. One person reported being able to dress without assistance and wear tights again. Regaining that ability supported their dignity and encouraged them to go out and socialise.

The hospice involved patients directly when refining services. Feedback from people attending a breathlessness support group led staff to preserve time in future sessions for participants to share personal experiences.

Support for families navigating end-of-life care

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care works with patients, families, carers and external professionals across Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset. Inspectors recorded positive experiences of coordinated care between the hospice and other services.

One relative said staff had helped their family navigate the care system so a loved one’s wish to die at home could be supported. The finding illustrates how hospice care can involve practical coordination and family guidance alongside symptom management.

The CQC said other hospice providers could look to the inspection findings as an example of outstanding practice. The report also noted a structured health and wellbeing programme covering palliative care, nutrition, sleep and exercise, available to anyone attending Lewis-Manning for treatment.

Source: Care Quality Commission News