Archived: Bluebird Care (North Somerset)

We undertook this announced inspection on 1 October 2015. Bluebird Care (North Somerset) provides a range of domiciliary care services which include hourly support, administration of medication and food preparation.

There is a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People who used the service and their relatives informed us that they were satisfied with the care and services provided. They said that people were treated with respect and people were safe when cared for by the service. People’s needs were carefully assessed. Risk assessments had been carried out and they contained guidance for staff on protecting people. Senior staff prepared appropriate and detailed care plans with the involvement of people and their representatives. When needed or agreed with people or their representatives, people’s healthcare needs were monitored.

The arrangements for the recording, storage, administration and disposal of medicines were satisfactory and further improvements were being made by making the process electronic. The service had an infection control policy and staff were aware of good hygiene practices.

Staff had been competently recruited and provided with training to enable them to care effectively for people. Staff had the necessary support and supervision from their supervisors and manager. They knew how to recognise and report any concerns or allegations of abuse.

There were enough staff to meet people's needs. People’s preferences were recorded and arrangements were in place to ensure that these were responded to. Staff were knowledgeable regarding the individual care needs and preferences of people. Reviews of care had been carried out so that people could express their views and experiences regarding the care provided. Where required staff supported people with their meals and ensured that that people’s dietary needs were met.

The service was responsive to the needs of people. Concerns or complaints were promptly responded to. There were comprehensive arrangements for quality assurance. Regular audits and checks had been carried out by senior staff and the director. We saw a record of compliments received and these indicated that people were satisfied with the quality of care provided.