- Independent hospital
Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital
Assessment report published 27 August 2026
Contents
Ratings - Outpatients
Our view of the service
The assessment took place on 11 February 2026. It was a fully comprehensive assessment, carried out because the service’s previous rating was aged. The last inspection had been completed in December 2016. This assessment was required to ensure the current quality and safety of the service were accurately reflected.
We rated the service as good because staff continued to provide care that was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. People received support from staff who understood their needs and delivered care in a consistent and person‑centred way. Staff treated people with kindness and respected their dignity, and feedback from those using the service was generally positive about the quality of care provided. Systems and processes were in place to help protect people from harm, and staff understood their safeguarding responsibilities. Care was delivered in line with good practice guidance, and people were supported to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Staff had the skills and knowledge they needed, and there was evidence of effective teamwork and communication. People’s care plans were up to date and reflected their current needs, enabling staff to provide coordinated and personalised support. The service responded well to people’s concerns and worked in partnership with other agencies when needed. Leaders promoted an open and inclusive culture and maintained oversight of the service through regular checks and audits. Staff felt supported and able to raise issues.
However, staff reported that some consultants still saw patients without formal referrals and that they did not always receive essential information.
People's experience of this service
People told us they were happy with the care they received and felt confident raising concerns when needed. Feedback gathered during the inspection reflected that staff were supportive, communication was clear and the environment was clean, comfortable and modern.
Patient Survey results from January 2026 showed consistently positive experiences. Ninety‑eight percent of respondents rated their overall experience positively, and 95% said they felt well informed and were treated with dignity and respect. People highlighted that staff were kind, reassuring and took time to explain what would happen during their visit.
Patients also reported that they felt able to share their views and saw that their feedback led to improvements. For example, people had previously asked for better support after minor procedures, and the service introduced a dedicated stitch‑removal clinic in response. “You said, we did” boards were displayed so people could see how the service had acted on what they told them.
While most feedback was positive, some people raised concerns about appointment booking, delays and aspects of the pre‑operative assessment process. This information was captured through patient forums, surveys and other feedback channels, and helped highlight where people felt improvements were needed.
Overall, people’s feedback showed they felt respected, listened to and supported by staff, and that they had confidence in the care they received.