Bluebird Care (Gateshead)

We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed autistic people and people with a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. At the time of the assessment, the service was not supporting any autistic people or people with a learning disability, but the provider had regard to ‘Right support, right care, right culture’.

People received safe, effective and well-coordinated care that was tailored to their individual needs, preferences and choices.

Staff demonstrated a clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and were confident any concerns raised through the appropriate processes would be taken seriously and acted upon.

The provider worked collaboratively with people and their families to identify needs and develop person-centred care plans. Comprehensive care plans and risk assessments helped ensure care was delivered consistently and safely. Regular reviews were undertaken to keep care plans aligned with people’s changing needs, wishes and outcomes.

Medicines were administered safely.

Positive communication and teamwork between staff and the management team contributed to the delivery of consistent and well-coordinated care and support.

Staff were recruited safely and equipped with the necessary training, supervision, and guidance to carry out their duties.

Robust governance arrangements ensured effective oversight of the care people received.

Lessons learned from incidents were identified and shared across the wider team, and actions were implemented to support continuous improvements in practice.

The registered manager demonstrated exceptional leadership by consistently seeking, valuing and acting on feedback from people, relatives and staff to drive a culture of continuous improvement.

Staff worked in close partnership with people and their families to deliver highly personalised care that consistently met people's needs and preferences. Feedback described a strong, inclusive and person-centred culture, where people were at the heart of decision-making.