Bluebird Care (Chichester)

“Key findings”

“We carried out this assessment between 21 July to 31 July 2026. This service was previously rated as good. We carried out this assessment to confirm whether the rating of good remains accurate. This report does not provide detailed information on areas where we found practice continues to meet a good standard. Instead, our findings focus on any areas where the service needs to improve or where we found exceptional practice.”

“Staff worked within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). Care records demonstrated people were involved in decisions about their care and support wherever possible. Where people required support with decision-making, appropriate assessments had been completed, and best interest processes were followed. Staff consistently demonstrated their understanding of promoting peoples’ choices, one staff member told us, “When a [person] does not have capacity, it's important to involve them in decisions as much as possible so they can express how they feel. The individual’s wishes, beliefs, values and preferences should always be respected and considered when making decisions.””

“People were supported by enough safely recruited staff, who had the skills and knowledge to provide effective support.”

“Staff consistently described training as comprehensive, relevant and sufficient to enable them to fulfill their roles safely and effectively. One told us, “All the training is relevant in my job, such as the moving and handling training, as we often have customers who need assistance with moving and handling. The safeguarding training is also very relevant as I have had to spot signs of abuse and raise safeguarding concerns to the local authority.””

“Staff understood their responsibility to safeguard people from the risk of abuse; they were knowledgeable about what concerns they would need to report and to whom. Risk assessments had been conducted to ensure people were supported with their health conditions. The provider managed health risks through a combination of care planning, risk assessments, staff training, competency checks and supporting policies and procedures. For example, falls guidance set out the action staff should take in an emergency and highlighted possible additional consideration for certain medicines. A registered manager told us how staff accessed information about people, “[Care records] provide carers with clear guidance regarding the action expected, including seeking emergency medical assistance where appropriate and reporting the incident so care planning and risk assessments can be reviewed if required. Together, these measures support carers to understand and safely manage the additional risks associated with, [for example], anticoagulant medication.””

“Medicines were managed safely, with clear procedures for administration, recording, storage and monitoring within people's homes. Some people were supported with PRN (As Required) medicines. PRN medicines are medicines prescribed to be taken or given only when needed, rather than as part of a regular daily routine. PRN protocols were in place, however, some lacked detailed guidance for staff regarding specific deescalation techniques deployed ahead of considering the use of PRN medicines. The provider took action to address this.”

“The provider promoted a positive learning culture where incidents, accidents and near misses were reviewed appropriately. Staff were encouraged to report concerns and share learning opportunities. Systems were in place to identify themes and trends, with lessons…”