The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated medical care, including older people’s care, at the Glenfield Hospital as Good overall, following an unannounced inspection in March 2026.
The service has improved from its previous rating of Requires Improvement, with the key domains of Safe, Caring, Effective and Responsive rated Good, and the service receiving an Outstanding rating for Well-led.
The inspection took place on 2 and 3 March 2026 and included visits to seven wards, reviews of 15 patient records, and conversations with 34 patients and family members and 63 members of staff.
Inspectors found patients were safe and cared for in a clean environment, staff were well trained and prepared for emergencies, and care was delivered with kindness and dignity. The report described a “compassionate, confident, calm and highly competent medical care service” and highlighted strong multidisciplinary working, excellent handovers and board rounds, and an outstanding whole-team approach within the Coronary Care Unit.
Patients and families spoke positively about their experience of care, describing staff as approachable, visible and kind. Inspectors awarded the highest possible score for kindness, compassion and dignity, noting that patients felt listened to, involved in decisions about their care, and treated with respect.
The CQC also recognised the strength of local leadership and governance arrangements, innovative clinical practice and research activity, and initiatives to widen opportunities for young people with learning disabilities and autism to experience work through student placements. Inspectors found leaders were fully aware of risks and pressures within services and had effective governance processes in place to manage them.
Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted that the CQC has recognised the significant progress made by our medical care teams at the Glenfield Hospital.
“This report reflects the exceptional commitment, professionalism and compassion of our colleagues, who provide outstanding care for patients every day. We are particularly pleased to see patients and families speaking so positively about their experiences and that our leadership teams have been recognised with an Outstanding rating for well-led.
“The findings highlight the expertise of our teams, the strength of our multidisciplinary working and our commitment to research, innovation and continuous improvement.
“I would like to thank all colleagues who contributed to the inspection and who continue to deliver high-quality care day in and day out.”
While recognising many areas of excellent practice, the CQC identified a small number of areas where further improvement is needed. These included some estate limitations, closing patient safety incident reporting in a timely manner, and some isolated environmental issues that were immediately acted on during the inspection. In many cases, action was taken immediately while inspectors were on site, and plans are already in place to strengthen services further.
The inspection report is available on the CQC website.
Patients, carers and families who have feedback to share about any of the services at UHL can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on Freephone 0808 178 8337, or email: [email protected].