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

Archived: Bluebird Care (East Staffs & South Derbyshire)

Unit UC109, University Centre, Burton College, Lichfield Street, Burton On Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3RL (01283) 568007

Provided and run by:
Freedom and Lifestyle Limited

Important: This service is now registered at a different address - see new profile

All Inspections

12 February 2014

During an inspection looking at part of the service

This inspection was announced three hours before our arrival. This was to offer the registered manager the opportunity to attend our inspection.

At our last inspection on 18 September 2013 we identified concerns in relation to how the service assessed and monitored their performance. This meant the provider had to make improvements to demonstrate they had suitable systems in place to monitor the quality of their service.

We found that sufficient improvements had been made where we had identified concerns. We saw the provider had put right what was required. This meant the provider could demonstrate outcomes for people using the service had improved.

18 September 2013

During a routine inspection

Our inspection was discussed and arranged one day in advance. This was to ensure we had time to speak with staff, as well as people using the service.

There were approximately 40 people using the service at the time of the inspection. We spoke with six people using the service or their relatives by telephone. We also received e mails from families offering us feedback. We also spoke with three staff and the registered manager.

We saw information to demonstrate how arrangements to seek people's consent to care or treatment had been agreed.

We found that people's needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. We were informed people were treated with care and compassion and the staff responded well to their needs. One person told us, 'The staff are very good, caring and pleasant. They are spot on, I can't fault them.'

Medicines were managed effectively but recording should be improved upon.

Staff received appropriate training, supervision and appraisal. People using the service and staff told us there was sufficient training to ensure that people's needs were understood and met.

There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service. Improvements in relation to auditing processes and risk assessments were needed.

17 May 2012

During a routine inspection

We carried out this inspection to check on the care and welfare of people using this service. We visited Bluebird Care in order to up date the information we hold and to establish that the needs of people using the service were being met. The visit was short notice and we arranged our inspection whilst inspecting their other location, in Uttoxeter the week before.

We spoke with six people using the service and four staff about how the service was delivered and the quality of service provision.

We found that people's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. People spoke well of the agency, one person told us, 'I'm a hard taskmaster but they are really good.'

The staff told us that care records were useful and gave them all the necessary information to deliver appropriate care. One staff member said, 'We never go anywhere without knowing what to do, the office always make sure we have the necessary information.'

People we spoke with told us that staff were polite, helpful and kind.

People confirmed they had a copy of their care records, which they kept in their home.

We viewed staff files during our visit and found that the organisation had a suitable process for recruitment and training.

People using the service confirmed they could speak with the staff if they had a concern or a complaint. This meant people felt able to voice their concerns and were listened to.

The service had suitable quality monitoring systems in place to manage the service. The provider told us, 'We want to be the best of the best.'

30 June 2011

During an inspection looking at part of the service

When we undertook a planned review in April 2011 people told us they were very happy with the service they received and were complimentary about individual staff members. They said all the staff were considered helpful and easy to talk to, which took away their anxieties with regard to their need for support.

Comments included:

'Wow! They are brilliant.'

'They always ask if I need anything further before they leave.'

'It is a pleasure to see them, they are excellent.'

'I think they tailor the carers to each individual, the service is very professionally run.'

We were told by people using the service in April 2011 the staff were friendly and knowledgeable and they looked forward to their visits and had confidence in their abilities. People said that staff were respectful and always checked with them before supporting them or delivering any personal care.

There was evidence to confirm people always knew who would call to support them, and the timings of calls were regular, comments included:

'You can set your watch by them'

'If ever they are running late I always receive a call.'

'We receive a list every week of who will call and if it changes they always tell us either by e mail or a telephone call.'

All the information we received from people in April 2011 was positive and therefore we did not arrange any further visits to people using the service during this follow up review undertaken in June 2011.

8 April 2011 and 20 September 2012

During a routine inspection

People were very happy with the service they received and were complimentary about individual staff members. All staff were considered helpful and easy to talk to, which took away their anxieties with regard to their need for support. Comments included:

'Wow! They are brilliant.'

'They always ask if I need anything further before they leave.'

'It is a pleasure to see them, they are excellent.'

'I think they tailor the carers to each individual, the service is very professionally run.'

We were told by people using the service the staff were friendly and knowledgeable and they looked forward to their visits and had confidence in their abilities. People said that staff were respectful and always checked with them before supporting them or delivering any personal care.

There was evidence to confirm people always knew who would call to support them, and the timings of calls were regular, comments included:

'You can set your watch by them'

'If ever they are running late I always receive a call.'

'We receive a list every week of who will call and if it changes they always tell us either by e mail or a telephone call.'

Comments from people receiving the service indicated the service provided was reviewed and evaluated at every stage, this ensured the service was appropriate and met individuals needs.

People told us that they received support with their medication when they needed it and that the staff always left them feeling safe.

People confirmed they were involved in developing a support plan, which told staff about them and how they required support. Everyone had a copy of their plan, which they kept in their home. They told us the manager from the agency came to see them and talked to them about their plan and ensured they agreed with the content.