Bluebird Care Mendip in Frome has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care services in England.
It is a significant achievement for the care service, with only 2% of home care providers across the UK receiving the rating.
The rating was awarded following a comprehensive inspection in June 2019, which included visiting service users in their homes, and marks Bluebird Care Mendip as one of the country’s top care providers.
In the report, CQC inspectors praised Bluebird Care Mendip, a care service providing personal care to people living in their own homes, for being a service which “went over and above what was expected of a community care provider.”
The CQC also highlighted that people are supported fully in every step of their care, with Bluebird Care’s care professionals always “supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their care” and carrying out regular reviews of care plans.
Relatives and loved ones are also included in the decision-making process, which inspectors found particularly pertinent. One service user told inspectors, “I have full control over everything, my life is my own and [the service] support me to do what I want.”
Bluebird Care Mendip was also rated ‘Outstanding’ in the key categories of providing a responsive service and a well-led service. The service’s responsiveness included always tailoring services “to meet the needs of individuals” and “ensure flexibility, choice and continuity of care.”
Bluebird Care Mendip’s individual care professionals were also singled out for praise, with inspectors finding that all staff “were passionate about providing a high standard of person-centred care which promoted people’s independence.”
When it came to the leadership, management and governance at Bluebird Care Mendip, inspectors found a service which “promoted an open, fair culture” that is “inclusive and empowering.” As one particular example, Bluebird Care’s leaders were commended for staying up to date with emerging trends and adopting innovative ideas, such as electronic systems for people living at home. This idea, like many others, supports people “to remain independent in the community.”
Overall, inspectors said that care professionals at Bluebird Care Mendip remain committed to “finding ways to improve and have a positive impact on people’s lives.” The passion and dedication across the service means that team members not only provide effective care, but are proud to work for Bluebird Care Mendip.
Masen Naidoo, director of Bluebird Care Mendip said, “We are thrilled to have received an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC, with a report that is testament to the hard work and dedication shown by our care team every single day. We look forward to maintaining our passion for providing high-quality care that improves people’s lives as we move forward.”
Yvonne Hignell, managing director of Bluebird Care said, “I would like to congratulate everyone at Bluebird Care Mendip for what is such a fantastic achievement. The service is demonstrative of the high standards we promote at Bluebird Care and we are excited to see what lies in store for Bluebird Care Mendip as it goes from strength to strength.”
Pictured: Gill Vallis, Ashley Champion-Smith, Jenny Atkins, Masen Naidoo, Maria Blanco, Claire Mitchard, Lara Llewellyn, Wendy Parsons, Natalia Januszewska, Lizzie Jolliffe, Ruth North, Sharon Reed.
