A hospice has been praised for delivering “kind, dignified, and person-centred care” in a glowing inspection report.
Skanda Vale Hospice, located in Saron, near Llandysul, received the feedback from Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) following a two-day inspection in January.
One patient told inspectors that the hospice was a lifeline and a safe place where their medical, physical and emotional needs were understood without having to explain themselves.
A carer told inspectors it was "like being surrounded by a big warm hug."
The report raised no immediate concerns or urgent action plan - a rare outcome in the current healthcare climate, where HIW’s most recent annual report describes a system under sustained pressure and a 21 per cent rise in concerns raised with the regulator.
Brother Jakob, hospice manager at Skanda Vale Hospice, said: "What you read in this report is not really about us - it's about the patients and families who walk through our doors, and the team who treat every one of them as if they were family.
"To have that recognised so warmly, at a time when the wider healthcare system is having such a difficult conversation about pressure and safety, is a huge encouragement."
All 55 team members who responded to HIW's survey said they were satisfied with the quality of care, that patient dignity was always maintained, and that they would be happy for their own family to be cared for there. Every respondent recommended Skanda Vale Hospice as a good place to work or volunteer.
The hospice is believed to be the only one in the UK run by volunteers, including doctors, clinical staff, and all members of the management team.
A small number of paid team members hold key roles where day-to-day continuity matters most, including the lead nurse, administration, catering, and housekeeping leads.
Inspectors highlighted the hospice’s holistic approach to care, which includes an arts and crafts area, an outdoor quiet space with a log burner, a multi-faith space, and balconies leading directly from patient bedrooms onto the grounds.
About 20 per cent of team members can converse in Welsh, which HIW called “a welcome asset” for the community the hospice serves.
Services are free of charge and open to anyone living with a life-limiting illness who has palliative care needs, regardless of background or belief.
Skanda Vale Hospice currently cares for up to six patients for one week each month, through both in-patient stays and a weekly day hospice service.
It also runs a remote companionship service and a charity shop in Newcastle Emlyn.
The HIW report included seven recommendations for improvement, including consistently recording follow-up actions for falls and pressure care, tightening audit processes, formally adopting a nationally recognised sepsis assessment tool, and implementing a staff immunisation policy.
The hospice is planning to expand its services, but says doing so will require additional volunteers, particularly retired nurses and carers.
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