Archived: Bluebird Care (Cheshire West and Chester)

'I am ok about doing the early shifts. Sometimes I start at 6.30 ' 7am. It is up to the clients what time they want us'.

'I have mostly the same clients each week. I work evenings which is my preference. No problems with work. I have a group of clients each week but sometimes it varies'.

'I work split shifts but I don't start before 8.00am as this is my preference. I have mainly the same group of clients. I love my job'.

People who use the service commented:

'Things were going well. I had let the agency know what I need and that is what the staff do. I requested an early morning time of 7.00 as I am ready to get up by then. The staff are well dressed and ok. I usually have a small team of staff visiting about 4 people to cover the week. I have spoken with the care manager and she is fine'.

'The staff usually visit between 8.00 ' 9.30. This is the time I prefer. If a different member of staff is going to visit then I am always told. The staff are excellent, good workers and flexible. There were problems a while ago about not being notified of which staff member would be visiting but it has settled down now. The supervisor has a pleasant manner and is efficient. The care manager is friendly. Usually the same group of staff visit'.

'I have an early morning visit as I like to get up at 7.00 and I choose the times I wanted. The staff are ok, they always arrive on time. The care manager is ok. There were problems in the past but this is resolved now. I need some equipment to support me and sometimes there can be a training issue with new staff'.

Relatives spoken with commented:

'We are pleased with the service. Staff arrive at 6.30 which is when the client wishes to rise. The same staff visit this person. The staff are good and work hard. I can hear them laughing and joking with my relative in the room next door'.

'The care manager is ok and I am pleased with the support we get'.

We spoke to customers who use the service and they said:

'Staff always arrive on time and are very polite and courteous

I have a bit of banter with the staff and it passes the time

I am very satisfied with Bluebird Care

The staff are polite and very pleasant with me.

The staff always arrive on time.

I am always very pleased to see the staff'.

We spoke with staff and they commented:

'The staff team is good and we work well together

The agency seems to be getting there after the initial disruption of the fire at the office.

Communication could be improved and we are not always told of changes, an idea would be to add a brief update on the rota so that we know when changes happen and why if possible

The manual handling training was good and I would like training on dementia care.

The director and manager have an open door policy and are supportive.

I really enjoy the job.

The induction course was a block of days and I found that very good.

Staff team is good and supportive to each other.

Supervision is good and the records are fine, they let us know what is happening.

The supervision sessions are held monthly and I find them useful, as I can discuss any issues I have with my manager'.

We also spoke with the director, manager and other professionals. They commented:

'The manager at the agency shares information well and keeps me informed of any changes.

I think the skills of the manager and director are good for running the business.

They are very helpful when contacted and the service they provide is good'.