Bluebird Care Mid Essex is one of the best care providers
Bluebird Care Mid Essex has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. Only 1% of home care providers receive this rating. The CQC rating was awarded following a comprehensive inspection in May 2019 and is a significant achievement, making Bluebird Care Mid Essex one of the best home care providers in the area. Bluebird Care Mid Essex provides flexible and high-quality homecare and support services to people living in their own homes in the community, including older people and those with mental health, physical disability or sensory impairment needs. The team provide a variety of services, including Dementia Care, Respite Care, End of Life Support, Live-in Care, Night Care & Support and Specialist Care services for a wide range of other medical conditions. The CQC’s report showed the service provided by Bluebird Care Mid Essex was widely praised by clients, their relatives and the healthcare professionals working for them. Those receiving the service said the staff went above and beyond expectations, remarking that, “They [staff] make me feel human, worth something and feel valued”. Similarly, relatives had confidence in the ability of staff, with one remarking: “I couldn’t praise them highly enough. They are brilliant, wonderful [and] they go far and beyond what they need to”. The inspectors also praised the staff noting that they ‘spoke with compassion when referring to the people they cared for’ and carried out their roles with ‘people at the heart of the service’. They were commended in particular for their continuity of care, with relatives receiving a weekly rota that is strictly adhered to. Daily communication in relation to the service was described as excellent by people using the service, relatives and the healthcare professionals involved. In addition, Bluebird Care Mid Essex were described as ‘exceptionally proactive’ in recognising social exclusion and isolation in the community and for their work to collaborate with other local services, including the fire service and the police. You can read the Bluebird Care report in full on CQC’s website at https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-730988372. The report found that the service provided an ‘Outstanding’ quality of care – the highest accolade they can award. This is an endorsement of not just the quality of care, but the systems they have in place and their treatment of staff. The CQC noted all the correct systems were in place to monitor the delivery of care audits, spot checks, staff observational supervision and quality assurance questionnaires. Additionally, lessons that were learned to improve levels of care were documented and shared with the management team and in staff meetings. Moreover, the wellbeing of care assistants is viewed as key by management and care assistants in turn said they felt ‘valued and supported’. Fundamentally, the CQC viewed Bluebird Care Mid Essex as an excellent service with a ‘people first’, caring ethos. Key to their service is the delivery of person-centred care and the overriding view of their relationship with people using the service as a ‘partnership’. Lucy McCormack, Director of Bluebird Care Mid Essex, said: “I am really proud of this rating and I am so pleased that the CQC has seen all the hard work and dedication of our team. The team work so well together and always go above and beyond for their customers. “The whole Bluebird Care Mid Essex team will continue to work every day to maintain this ‘Outstanding’ service and put our customers and their needs first. It is a great privilege to work with staff and customers who are such wonderful people and I am so grateful for their continued support.” Yvonne Hignell, Managing Director of Bluebird Care, said: “It’s wonderful to see such a glowing endorsement of the Bluebird Care Mid Essex team. They are a really hard working group of individuals and the leadership at this office has a lot to do with its strong success. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the delivery of our outstanding services in Mid Essex and look forward to seeing what is to come from this team in the future.” For more information about Bluebird Care Mid Essex visit https://www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/mid-essex or call 01245 263 962.
Bluebird Cares and Gains Award
“Healthwatch Star” award presented to care company for treating patients like a family member A Gateshead-based care provider that specialises in working with customers requiring care in their own homes has been awarded a prestigious award from the social care and health champion, Healthwatch Gateshead. Bluebird Care Gateshead is based in the city’s Team Valley and offers personalised home care visits, from 30 minutes to full live-in support. One of its clients nominated the service for a Star award. The Healthwatch Star scheme enables patients to nominate members of the caring professions who they feel have gone above and beyond in their care. The scheme is anonymous and the recipient receives a certificate to display at their place of work. Bluebird Care’s client said: “They look after my care needs on a daily basis and care and compassion ooze from them. If my needs change they look after me and the carers that they employ are brilliant.” Katheryn Haswell, Director of Bluebird Care Gateshead said: “I am incredibly proud of my team and the fact that they have been recognised for their care and compassion. It is a testament to the efforts of our outstanding team that I have the privilege to work with. They believe in the Bluebird Care ethos, that we should be delivering care to the very highest standards, the care that we would want for ourselves and for our own family.” Steph Eduesi, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Gateshead, said: “When people are cared for in their homes they need to feel looked after, safe and confident that their carer has their best interest at heart. We’re delighted to present this Star award in recognition of the support and care that Bluebird Care has shown.”
Bluebird Care’s Franchise Support Office Team Receive Dementia Training
Bluebird Care, a national provider of home care services, recently invited Informed Dementia Care to come in and deliver their outstanding ‘dementia suits experience’ to members of Bluebird Care’s Franchise Support Office team. The purpose of the dementia training was for team members from Head Office to experience, first-hand, how ageing can impact the body and mind, and better understand how dementia can affect a person’s wellbeing and safety. The dementia training highlighted the key signs that many people miss when an individual living with dementia is in distress or experiencing some kind of discomfort. Many of the Franchise Support Office team work hard to benefit those living with dementia on a day-to-day basis, but rarely come into direct contact with many of their customers. Therefore, the training gave the Bluebird Care team real insight into how everyday tasks can be a struggle for people living with dementia. Attendees experienced a number of ageing symptoms and scenarios throughout the three-hour training programme, including: The team remarked that everyone in the social care sector, whether in direct contact with those living with dementia or not, should experience this training. Sam Hart, Bluebird Care’s Training Manager, said: “As part of developing our expertise in supporting customers in their own homes, we felt the dementia suits experience programme would empower our Franchise Support Office Team and allow them to fully understand what dementia could be like.”
Bluebird Care celebrated Book Month to mark the importance of reading
Back in April, Bluebird Care celebrated Book Month to emphasise the power of reading and the joy it can bring to so many. The Franchise Support Team encouraged staff and customers from across the Bluebird Care network to share their favourite books with the world, using the Bluebird Care social media channels. The network were asked to do any and all of the following: Share on social media, photographs of your favourite book and why you love it, using the hash tag #BookMonth Create a ‘reading corner’ in the office where people can enjoy reading on their breaks Set up a ‘book swap table’ where people can bring in books they have finished to share with others for free Host a charity book sale Start a #BluebirdCareBookClub with your staff and customers. The network jumped at the opportunity to share their current reads and promote the importance of reading. Many of the franchises got involved by hosting book swaps and setting up reading corners too spread the message. One of the Supervisors at Bluebird Care Shropshire, Amie Stone shared a picture of her with her newest book ‘The diary of a young girl’ – Anne Frank. Amie Stone, Supervisor at Bluebird Care Shropshire said: “I read this book when I was a young girl and have always been fascinated with her story. After booking a holiday to Amsterdam I decided to read her diary again to refresh my mind on her courageous journey before I visit the Anne Frank Museum”. Katie Holloway, Social Media Manager at Bluebird Care, said: “This was such a fun topic to get the network engaged with. Reading is so important and is a great way to improve memory, reduce stress and alleviate anxiety and depression. The network fully embraced taking part, as always and seeing their photos was lovely”. You can see the full collection of pictures on Bluebird Care UK’s Facebook page here.
Bluebird Care, launches Nursing Associate Training Scheme
Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire have partnered up with the University of Lincoln and Lincolnshire Care Association to introduce the Nursing Associate Programme for home care Care Assistants who wish to gain further qualifications. Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire have begun offering this apprenticeship style placement to encourage further training and career development, without having to give up work, or go off to University. The Nursing Associate Programme provides the qualification between a Care Assistant and Nurse, a strong career progression for Care Assistants who want to upskill. Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire all provide a unique service and approach to home care. They offer a wide range of clinical care services, which is not typical of all home care providers. Debbie Ferguson is the Nursing Manager and works across all three franchises to offer expert care to her customers. Over the next two years, Debbie will be training her new student, Rachel Lear. Rachel, 44 began the Nursing Associate Programme on 21st January this year and will finish her training as a qualified Nursing Associate. Rachel has worked at Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire for almost two years and has progressed during her time with the home care provider. She started as a Care Assistant and within just six months, had been promoted to a Care Assistant Mentor. Before this, Rachel was a teacher and had been in the teaching profession for 15 years, after which she decided to have a career change and go into domiciliary care. This opportunity came about after the University of Lincoln approached Bluebird Care Lincoln asking if they would like to take part. The University have been running the Nursing Associates Programme for two years and, when they learnt Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire offer a more clinically focused service, knew they had to offer them the chance to be the first home care provider in the UK to offer the Programme. This opportunity is so unique because home care providers do not usually offer such a clinical service, this is usually left to nursing homes and hospitals. However, the care team and Director of Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire, Victoria Webber, are passionate about ensuring people are comfortable in their own homes, while receiving the care they need. The Programme was offered to all staff who work at Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire and the idea was received with great interest and following a formal interview process, Rachel was selected. The University has a new intake of students every year and seeks to grow learners in a professional environment. The Programme also offers a placement at another care provider, and Rachel will be doing hers in a hospital, where the hospital student will join Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire for two weeks. The qualification is funded by the local authority, but the students wages are paid by Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire Rachel Lear, Trainee Nursing Associate, Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire, said: “I am thoroughly enjoying the TNA course. Every day is different, it is a good mixture of delivering care to our customers and training both at university and with our Nurse Manager. There is lots to learn however everyone at Bluebird Care are so supportive, giving me a wide range of experiences, which I approach enthusiastically.” Victoria Webber, Director of Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire, said: “This training is such a fulfilling opportunity and I’m really pleased we have been able to give someone the opportunity to keep learning while also working. Rachel has taken to the role so well and Debbie is doing a wonderful job of overseeing her and guiding her through. Thank you also, to the University for making this possible, it has always been my ambition to give my staff as many career development opportunities as possible and this Programme is a great way a broadening the already strong options we have at all the Bluebird Care franchises across Lincoln.” Debbie Ferguson, Nursing Manager at Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire, said: “I am really pleased to see another member of the team training to be able to do nursing. My job is extremely enjoyable and I see great importance in being able to provide a nursing service to people in the comfort of their own homes. Rachel is a wonderful student and I think it is great that Bluebird Care Lincoln, Bluebird Care North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey and Bluebird Care South Lincolnshire and the University are giving her and other students this opportunity to gain further skills and make a real difference to people’s lives.” For more information about Bluebird Care click here
Charity inaugural ball raises over £20K
Local provider of at home and live in care, Bluebird Care, were headline sponsored of a charity’s ball, where all proceeds go to fighting chest, heart and stroke conditions. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) put on a night to remember at their first ever St Andrew’s Ball at The Hub set on the historic Royal Mile. In true Scottish fashion guests were piped in to celebrate a night of fine-dining, ceilidh dancing and supporting the charity’s vital work of helping people in Scotland rebuild their lives after diagnosis of a chest or heart condition or a stroke. Celebrity hosts, much loved weather present, Judith Ralston and Scottish comedian, Bruce Devlin made sure that everyone had a fabulous evening. Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the success of our first ever St Andrew’s Ball! “It was fantastic to welcome over 200 people in their finery to help us support the 1 in 5 people in Scotland living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. And thanks to their support we raised over £20,000, which is just incredible! “These vital funds will help people to rebuild their lives, regain their confidence and live their lives to the full. “It was our first time putting on this event and we are so grateful to everyone who supported us and made the night possible. Special thanks to our headline sponsor, Bluebird Care. Their sponsorship enabled us to host the event and ultimately move closer to delivering our ambition to ensure there is no life half lived in Scotland.” Jane Perry, Director and Owner of Bluebird Care Edinburgh & Bluebird Care Glasgow South, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in the inaugural CHSS St Andrew’s Ball. The evening was a wonderful celebration of all the excellent work that CHSS do and highlighted the vast differences that their work can make to people. “I myself have had a defibrillator fitted due to a defective family gene and know only too well how families are affected by strokes and heart attacks. I have been given a lifeline and an opportunity to make a difference which is why I am so passionate about the work I do at Bluebird Care and with this special charity. “This cause and the differences the charity makes really matters to us at Bluebird Care and getting the message across that people can live full lives with the right support at home is crucial.” www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
Bluebird Care supports training company project to help the homeless
Bluebird Care has assisted local training company, Kilpatrick Consultancy, with a project to help the homeless in the Reading area. Rebecca Kilpatrick, a mental health training consultant, approached Bluebird Care to ask for donations and the national home care provider jumped straight into action to do what they could to help. The project aims to gather and make 50 care packages that can be given to homeless people to make this time of year a little easier to cope with. Rebecca hopes these care packages will contain the following; mouthwash, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, socks, gloves, sweets, bottles of water and a variety of food products. Other extras in the bags included dog treats (for those who have dogs), sleeping bags, items of clothing and coats. Bluebird Care was asked to donate carrier bags that would make distribution much easier. The head office responded offering 50 jute bags and extra blankets to add to the donations. Other companies that have donated include Nandos and Aldi who are providing food, Johnson & Johnson who gave toiletries and a Vet in Bracknell who donated money for animal supplies. All other donations have come from friends, family and others who have heard about the initiative. The packs are going to be distributed in the Reading area on 16th December but the organisers are still looking for more resources to go into the pack. If you would like to donate, please get in touch with kilpatrickconsultancy@gmail.com to find out how you can help. Yvonne Hignell, Managing Director of Bluebird Care, said: “This is such a worthy cause and we are very glad to be providing a small helping hand to those sleeping rough. This is such a big issue, which deeply affects such a high percentage of our population in the UK, especially at this time of year when the temperature drops and people’s health is put in serious danger. I encourage everyone to help out to achieve, and even supersede, Rebecca’s goal and do their part to help those who need it the most.” www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
Bluebird Care offices in the South and East London area celebrate big win
Bluebird Care offices in the South and East London area celebrate big win at National Bluebird Care Conference Anoop Sekhon, Director of Bluebird Care Greenwich and Bluebird Care Docklands, Stratford and Wapping has won one of the top awards at this year’s Bluebird Care Conference. The Spirit Award is presented to the Franchise Owner who it’s felt best captures and demonstrates the ethos of the Bluebird Care business and Anoop was seen to deliver best in this area out all Bluebird Care offices across the country. On the night, all the awards were presented by Paul and Lisa Tarsey, Bluebird Care’s Co-founders. Bluebird Care held their annual conference at the De Vere Orchard Hotel in Nottingham on Thursday 27th September. They invited all franchise owners, team members and other senior members of the Bluebird Care team to join sector leading experts, and a number of exhibitors at the conference. The event was centred around a Pride, Passion, Progress theme. The event also had three well known speakers from the sector: Sonya Hinds, Chief Administrative Officer at Interim HealthCare Inc, who spoke about the keys to building and maintaining an engaged workforce. Sue Powell, a Career Coach, who spoke about the Act of Leadership, an important topic for those who attended the conference. Colin Angel, Policy Director of United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA), who spoke about home care services and updated the guests on current issues within the sector. Also speaking at the event were Bluebird Care Chairman and Co-founder, Paul Tarsey, Bluebird Care’s Director of Operations, Yvonne Hignell, and Bluebird Care’s Director of Finance, Julie Marshall. Anoop Sekhon, Director of Bluebird Care Greenwich and Bluebird Care Docklands, Stratford and Wapping, said: “Here at Bluebird Care Greenwich and Bluebird Care Docklands, Stratford and Wapping, we are very excited to have received the Spirit Award from Bluebird Care. “The Spirit award is presented to the office who best demonstrated the ethos and living values of the Bluebird Care business . The award highlighted the fact that both offices are going above and beyond in our day to day business. This award has meant so much to the offices and it’s nice to get recognised for all the hard work our teams do. “Thank you to everyone at Bluebird Care, from head office to all the care assistants across the country. Everyone’s hard work is so important and is hugely appreciated, by our customers, who are always at the centre of everything we do.” www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
