Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds requested a review of the inadequate rating, given by The Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2025, based on what it said were “a combination of inaccurate and unbalanced findings”.
Now following a ratings review and a further visit in July, the hospice said the CQC had “apologised for the error, and the rating has now been upgraded to requires improvement”.
The hospice’s chief executive officer, James Sanderson, said the CQC had confirmed there was an error in their scoring process for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.
He said: “We are pleased that this matter has now been resolved. The amended rating reflects what we had identified and were actively addressing following our own quality reviews and safety controls, before the CQC inspection took place.
“Our internal findings had already led to an improvement plan being introduced, which our care teams have carried on working relentlessly to deliver.”
A spokesperson for the CQC said the review and upgrade of the rating proved “that CQC has appropriate processes in place, so services have the opportunity to appeal the ratings in the reports, to ensure they are fair and consistent”.
Mr Sanderson said the incorrect rating “caused distress to the patients we care for, their families, our clinical teams, the healthcare professionals we work alongside, our supporters and volunteers too”.
He added: “I want to thank our supporters for continuing to believe in us throughout this period, which has been really appreciated by our teams at the hospice. I also want to thank our clinical teams for the huge amount of professionalism and dedication they have shown throughout this difficult time.
“While we are pleased with the outcome of the CQC rating review, we recognise that further improvements are needed and are already underway. Our teams remain focused on delivering the established improvement plan with professionalism and commitment.
“We have had a strong working relationship with the CQC for many years, and we are grateful for the time they have taken to review this matter. I hope this brings closure and clarity to everyone.
“Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice is now focused on moving forward, restoring confidence, and working with the CQC and our partners to continue our vital work caring for the people of Leeds.”
A CQC spokesperson said: “In March and May last year, we inspected Sue Ryder – Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds. Following the inspection, we rated the hospice as inadequate overall, and in the areas of safe, effective and well-led. Caring was rated requires improvement and responsive was rated as good.
“We then carried out a focused inspection in July last year, only looking at specific areas after CQC received concerns about people’s care. Following this inspection, the rating for safe improved from inadequate to requires improvement. Caring was re-rated as requires improvement. Well-led, effective and responsive weren’t included in this inspection.
“As with all inspection reports, Sue Ryder, who runs the hospice had an opportunity to request a review of its ratings. This involves CQC checking whether we followed our processes when scoring an assessment and reaching a rating.
“Following a formal review of the ratings for the March/May report, which was carried out by a senior CQC member of staff who wasn’t involved in the inspection, the rating for effective changed from inadequate to requires improvement. This has resulted in the overall rating improving from inadequate to requires improvement.
“This shows that CQC has appropriate processes in place, so services have the opportunity to appeal the ratings in the reports, to ensure they are fair and consistent.”
For more information on Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, visit sueryder.org/wheatfields