Home care service rated outstanding for third time

A home care service has been rated outstanding by inspectors for the third time in a row.

Bluebird Care's Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey division supports 67 people of all ages to live privately.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said the service, run by Belrose Ltd, remained safe, responsive and well-led.

CQC director Neil Cox said: "Leaders made sure there were enough staff to meet people's needs, with safe recruitment and thorough training in place."

Inspectors, who assessed the service in April, heard from clients who said they felt "confident" and "comfortable" with their carers.

Some people were unhappy with "slightly haphazard" call times and changes to rotas, according to the CQC report.

However, the provider worked hard to address their complaints, inspectors said.

Mr Cox said: "A third consecutive outstanding rating is a sustained standard of excellence that other services should aim to match."

Founded in 2004, Bluebird Care operates a network of 220 franchises across the UK and Ireland, according to its website.

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