The Care Quality Commission
  • Services in your home
  • Homecare service

Archived: Bluebird Care (West Berkshire & Basingstoke)

Ringway House East, Kelvin Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DB (01635) 36953

Provided and run by:
P & M Homecare Limited

All Inspections

25 June 2013

During a routine inspection

We looked at a range of records, spoke with the manager, office based staff, and two members of the care staff. We spoke with eight people who either used the service or represented someone who received a service. Some comments included 'Very good carers and very friendly', 'I have no complaints'. One person said 'my regular carer is really good but they never let me know about changes'. Another told us that they 'have no concerns. Staff are very caring and kind'. Two relatives were impressed with the way carers tried to engage their relative in conversation. Overall people were happy with the care provided by the majority of carers but some people did have issues with communication from the office.

People we spoke with told us that they had confidence in most of the care workers and the care they provided. People we spoke with knew how to raise a complaint. Staff told us that they felt supported and the agency had systems in place to ensure that staff were appropriately trained and experienced to assist people and meet their needs.

Some people told us that they had recently completed a questionnaire which had been sent out to them by the agency. Some people told us that the office staff visit them now and again.

We spoke with a commissioning manager from the NHS who had been dealing with the service for more than a year. They described the service as organised and responsive to requests for information or when issues were raised.

1 May 2012

During a routine inspection

People told us the agency gave a good service. Staff listened to them and gave care

according to agreed instructions. They told us they were always treated with respect and staff made sure their dignity was preserved. One person said the carers 'were excellent', another said the carers were always respectful and very nice'. One relative said the service 'always lets me know when things change and are responsive and flexible when I make requests'. Local authority commissioners and care managers told us the service was well run and was responsive and flexible when addressing concerns or queries. One care manager told us the majority of care staff were excellent and went beyond the call of duty to support people who used the service.