11 Sep 2025 Care

The Kirkwood Achieves ‘Good’ CQC Rating, with ‘Outstanding’ for Caring

The Kirkwood (Kirkwood Hospice) has been rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with the official report also awarding the charity's care an 'Outstanding' rating – the highest possible. This exceptional result is a testament to the compassion and dedication of staff and volunteers, particularly following a challenging period for the organisation

The CQC praised The Kirkwood in all five areas of its inspection but was particularly complimentary of colleagues’ kindness, compassion and dignity, with inspectors noting that patients and their families “consistently praised staff as exceptional, kind, and caring.” One patient told inspectors, “It’s as if the staff know what I need before I do! They have given me a reason to carry on.”

During their visit, assessors spent time with staff and volunteers from across the charity, as well as speaking to patients and families about their experience of care.

Inspectors highlighted The Kirkwood’s personal, individualised approach, with the CQC reporting that “the service adopted a comprehensive approach to care, addressing the needs of people, family, carers, community networks and partners.” The report shared an example of how one of The Kirkwood’s chefs organised a date night for a patient and their partner, complete with flowers and their favourite meal.

Inspectors were also complimentary about how staff responded to people’s immediate needs, noting they were “attentive and supportive” and offered “compassionate comfort to someone feeling overwhelmed, ensuring emotional support was readily available.”

The result matches the charity’s previous rating, achieved back in 2017. The CQC assessed The Kirkwood on five key areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led. All areas were rated as ‘Good’, with ‘Caring’ receiving the top rating of ‘Outstanding’.

Lynne Hall-Bentley, Director of Clinical Services with The Kirkwood praised the achievements of the whole team: “I am incredibly proud of this CQC assessment, which not only rates The Kirkwood as a “Good” provider of care, but also recognises us as “Outstanding” for Caring.” she said.

“The report is a glowing reference for our team, highlighting the excellent, compassionate work of colleagues who go above and beyond to provide the very best palliative and end of life care.

“This is also an endorsement of all the services we provide, from our team of Community Nurse Specialists and wellbeing services to our In-Patient care at the hospice, right through to the bereavement support we offer for families and loved ones.”

The Kirkwood’s Chief Executive, Michael Crowther, believes the report highlights the togetherness of the team during a period of change for the charity.

“The CQC’s endorsement of our services is a powerful statement that, despite recent service changes and financial pressures, we remain committed to providing the very best palliative and end-of-life care,” he said.

“This report shines a light on the dedication and compassion of every one of our colleagues and volunteers, who play a vital part in our mission to support local people’s quality of life, provide the dignity of a comfortable and peaceful death, and offer reassurance that their loved ones will be supported to live on – and live well.”

Lorraine Chapman, Chair of Trustees for The Kirkwood, is equally pleased with the report.

“As Chair of Trustees, I am extremely proud of our team’s achievement.” she said.

“To receive this “Good” rating reflects strong leadership during an extremely challenging period for The Kirkwood. To be rated as “Outstanding” for Caring underscores the commitment that I see from staff and volunteers right across our charity.

“This report has been published at an important time. In a challenging financial climate for our charity, the findings underscore the vital need for our care within the local Kirklees community. While we have taken significant steps to ensure our financial stability in recent months, the Kirkwood’s future will rely on the continued strength and growth of our movement.

“From our partners in the healthcare sector, to our amazing supporters, we need to work together to secure the future of hospice services in our community, not just today, but for generations to come.”

To make a donation or explore the many ways you can help The Kirkwood secure their future, please click here.

You can find out more and read The Kirkwood’s CQC Report via their website by clicking here.