The Care Quality Commission
  • Community
  • Community healthcare service

Kendal Lymphology Centre

Overall: Outstanding read more about inspection ratings

64 Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4BD (01539) 735111

Provided and run by:
Kendal Lymphology Centre Limited

All Inspections

6 July 2023

During a monthly review of our data

We carried out a review of the data available to us about Kendal Lymphology Centre on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.

This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.

If you have concerns about Kendal Lymphology Centre, you can give feedback on this service.

16,17 and 20 May 2022

During a routine inspection

  • The service provided safe care. The premises where clients were seen were safe and clean. Staff assessed and managed risk well and understood good practice with respect to safeguarding. 
  • Staff developed holistic, recovery-focused care plans informed by a detailed assessment. They provided a range of treatments suitable to the needs of patients and in line with national guidance about best practice. Staff engaged in clinical audit to evaluate the quality of care they provided. 
  • The teams included or had access to the full range of specialists required to meet the needs of patients in their care. The manager made sure the staff received training, supervision and appraisal. Staff worked well together as a therapy team and as a larger multidisciplinary team with relevant services outside the organisation. 
  • Staff treated patients with compassion, kindness and respect, and truly understood the individual needs of patients. There was a strong person-centered culture which was incorporated into all aspects of the service.
  • Feedback from people who used the service was overwhelmingly positive and we were told that staff always went the extra mile to support patients. Staff actively involved patients in all decisions about their care. Staff identified groups of people with specific needs and developed pathways and guidance to provide tailored support and helped those patients overcome barriers that were stopping them from achieving their goals. 
  • The service was easy to access and staff made reasonable adjustments to enable patients to access the service in a way that met their needs and preferences.
  • Staff planned and managed discharge well and had alternative pathways for people whose needs it could not meet. 
  • The service was well led, and the governance processes ensured that its procedures ran smoothly. Staff felt very well supported by the manager, who they felt was very approachable and knowledgeable.
  • Collaborative work between the service and its partner organisations was highly effective and focused on meeting the needs of the patients. The service was innovative and ensured it was up to date with new ways of working.
  • The service had effective systems in place for gathering feedback from patients which were used to improve the service. The service gathered and used data effectively and worked with national and international organisations to improve the treatment of lymphoedema and lipedema.

13 January 2014

During a routine inspection

We found that people who used the Kendal Lymphoma Centre were satisfied with the service provided to them. We were told how "kind" and "professional" the staff were and "I cannot speak highly enough of the support and treatment".

We found that people had been given information about their treatments so that they were able to make informed decisions about it. People using the centre had given their informed consent to treatments and had been closely involved in the development of their care and treatment plans. We saw that people who used the service had their needs properly assessed, monitored and evaluated for effectiveness.

We found that people were supported and encouraged to manage their own condition to help maintain their independence. We were told "I had an assessment and was told about the equipment and massage. They gave me instructions and advice, which I followed with very good effect. They taught me to use things the way that suited me. I feel so much better now".

When we visited, we found that the premises were clean and fit for purpose. Appropriate facilities were in place for staff and people who used the service. The equipment in use was being maintained and checked as required.

The provider kept clear and up to date records and undertook satisfaction surveys for feedback from people to monitor the quality of the service provision. There was a complaints procedure for people but no one we spoke with had felt the need to use it.

4 February 2013

During a routine inspection

We learned that people who used the service had their needs properly assessed and treatment planned appropriately, with people being involved in the process from start to finish. We judged that good levels of care were being provided.

People were given information about their care and treatment. They were supported and encouraged to manage their condition to maintain independence where possible. However we found that the consent forms were not dated and signed by both the provider and the person who used the service.

Staff were well supported and induction, regular supervision and regular appraisals were in place. Staff had the opportunity to gain further qualifications and to keep their training up to date. This enabled them to provide a good level of care, in line with current guidance.

When we visited, we found that the premises were clean and tidy and adequate facilities were in place for staff and people who used the service.

The provider regularly undertook satisfaction surveys and sought feedback from people who used the service to monitor the quality of the care being provided, however, we found the provider to be using policies and procedures from other organisations. These were not always relevant or appropriate to this service.