We carried out a review of the data available to us about Bluebird Care (Watford & Three Rivers) on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Bluebird Care (Watford & Three Rivers), you can give feedback on this service.
People’s experience of using this service:
People told us they felt the care and support they received was safe. Staff received training in safeguarding and they knew how to report their concerns internally and externally to safeguarding authorities. People told us they could rely on staff and had good continuity of care. People told us staff arrived on time and if they were delayed they would be contacted.
Staff received regular training, the supervisors observed their practical knowledge and competencies during unannounced spot checks. Risks to people`s well-being and health were well managed and regularly reviewed to ensure they were safe and protected from the risk of harm.
People and relatives told us they were very happy with the care provided by the staff. People and relatives confirmed staff were kind and caring and went the extra mile. People`s dignity and privacy were protected.
People and relatives told us the registered manager was approachable and listened to their concerns when they raised issues with them. Concerns or complaints were recorded and responded following the provider`s complaints policy.
Care plans were developed when people started using the service, risk assessments were developed for each identified risk to people`s health and wellbeing.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported support them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People told us staff were responsive to their needs and supporting them the way they wanted.
The service had policies and procedures in place which were based on current legislation and best practice guidance. Staff received updates when required to ensure lessons were learned when things went wrong.
The registered manager used a range of effective audits and governance systems to check the quality and safety of the care people received.
Rating at last inspection:
At the last inspection, the service was rated Good (report was published November 2016).
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.
Acorn House is a community based service providing care and support to people living in their own homes. At the time of the inspection, there were approximately 89 people being supported by the service.
The service has a registered Manager in place. 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.
There were risk assessments in place that gave guidance to staff on how risks to people could be minimised and how to safeguard people from the risk of possible harm.
The provider had effective recruitment processes in place and there were sufficient staff to support people safely. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities and would seek people’s consent before they provided any care or support. Staff received supervision and support, and had been trained to meet people’s individual needs.
People were supported by caring and respectful staff who they felt knew them well. Staff also felt that they were given the opportunity to get to know the people they supported. Relatives we spoke with described the staff as very good and caring.
People’s needs had been assessed and care plans took account of their individual preferences and choices. Staff supported people when required to attend health care appointments with their GPs or hospital visits.
The provider had a formal process for handling complaints and concerns. They encouraged feedback from people and acted on the comments received to continually improve the quality of the service. The provider also had effective quality monitoring processes in place to ensure that they were meeting the required standards of care.