Charity | Posted on September 18th, 2026 | return to news

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care celebrates outstanding rating

Dorset charity, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the first time.

Inspectors praised the delivery of exceptional care by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and the regulator has held up the independent charity as an example of outstanding practice for other hospices.

CQC upgraded Lewis-Manning from Good to Outstanding following an unannounced three-day inspection on 8, 16, and 22 April 2026. The regulator described the service as ‘exceptionally caring’ and ‘exceptionally responsive’. Lewis-Manning’s work throughout 2025/2026 demonstrates the scale and breadth of care behind the rating. Its palliative care team supported 484 patients across east Dorset and Purbeck through clinics, Health and Wellbeing groups, anticipatory Hospice at Home, and virtual care. The team delivered 4,611 patient contacts, while 429 people joined care sessions, helping those unable to visit the hospice stay connected to its support.

Clare Gallie, chief executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, said: “Being rated outstanding for the first time is a landmark moment for Lewis-Manning and one of the proudest in our history.

“It reflects the extraordinary skill, compassion, and determination our teams bring to patients and families every day. More than 1,450 people turned to us for support last year, and behind every figure is a person trying to retain their independence, a family needing guidance, or someone learning to manage a symptom that has changed their daily life.”

The charity’s wider services addressed the physical and emotional effects of serious illness for patients and their loved ones. Lewis-Manning provided 2,200 counselling sessions to 512 people, alongside 660 specialist breathlessness contacts and 1,045 lymphoedema contacts. Its counselling service is funded entirely by the charity, offering free access for local people across Dorset.

Inspectors found that people were ‘truly respected and valued as individuals’ and empowered as partners in their care. Patients said Lewis-Manning’s support made a difference to their lives by helping them manage symptoms and live well. One person told inspectors: ‘When I walk into Lewis-Manning I feel like I am wrapped in a cloud of warmth and happiness.’

CQC praised Lewis-Manning’s anticipatory approach, which reaches people earlier and supports them to remain independent and at home. Inspectors also highlighted the charity’s joined-up work with health and care partners, its efforts to remove barriers to accessing care, and the role patients play in shaping services. The approach helps families and carers while reducing avoidable pressure on GPs, ambulances, and hospitals.

Clare continued: “Too many people still think palliative care begins at the very end of life. Our work starts much sooner. We help people understand their illness, manage difficult symptoms, retain their independence, and make informed choices. It is about adding life to years when adding years to life is no longer possible.

“To be held up as an example for other hospices is an enormous honour. The recognition belongs to our staff, volunteers, partners, supporters, and the Dorset community. We will build on it to reach more people earlier, because the five referrals we receive each day show how constant the need for our care truly is.”

CQC highlighted the human difference behind the services. One patient outlined how the organisation’s support has allowed them to dress independently again and regain the confidence to socialise. Inspectors also praised the flexibility and accessibility of Lewis-Manning’s care, from choosing clinics with public transport access in mind, to facilitating home visits, groups, and online sessions.

Lewis-Manning’s impact is representative of the Dorset community’s commitment to supporting others, with 271 volunteers supporting clinical services, patient transport, fundraising, retail, and many other areas of the charity. Only 12% of its funding comes from the NHS, with local supporters raising £1.66 million during 2025/26; while the charity’s retail division continues to succeed, generating a further £1.7 million.

For more information about Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and its free services, visit lewis-manning.org.uk.