One of Cumbria’s home care providers, Workington-based Bellcare, is celebrating after receiving a top-class rating from the Care Quality Commission.
Safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-lead were just some of the comments made by the inspectors, who quizzed staff, service users and partner organisations about the company.
And it is a double celebration for Bellcare Registered Manager Debbie Ellwood as it’s the first inspection since she took on the lead role. She’s worked for the Cumbrian business for nearly 20 years, starting as a part time carer and stepping up the career ladder to become the lead manager.
The Care Quality Commission, or CQC, is the independent regulator of health and social care in England and the organisation inspects home care services, as well as residential care homes, hospitals, dentists, and doctors, alongside other health settings.
The Bellcare inspection lasted two days and involved the people the team care for, and their families, and the partners they work with, like local GPs, district nurses and adult social care providers. Every part of the care process is examined, from record keeping, training and health and safety, to the hands-on care itself.
Debbie said: “It’s teamwork that has got us here – I can’t take the credit. The managers, the carers and the admin team all work their socks off. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t see and, though I lead the team, behind me is a tremendous army of people who I am immensely proud off too.
“This rating means so much to Bellcare. It has given us direction and showed us what we need to do to be even better.”
Bellcare cover a huge patch in Cumbria, from Millom in the south to Carlisle in the north, and over into the Lake District too. They look after the elderly and people with disabilities, and have specially-trained staff who have experience in caring for those with dementia. Their main headquarters is in Workington and they also have an office in Penrith.
The team’s responsibilities include personal care and hygiene, but also companionship and even accompanying their service users to appointments and social events. They do everything from popping in to help with meals, to giving respite to individuals’ family and friends by taking over full care services. The aim is to keep people happy and healthy in their own homes, ensuring they have their independence and are fulfilled and with a great quality of life.
At a time when the care industry nationally is struggling with recruitment, Debbie says recognition from the CQC helps those in the care profession choose their employers too.
She added: “They tell me they are proud to wear the Bellcare uniform and that is fantastic to hear. We are here to give peace of mind to our service users and let their families know that their loved ones are in safe hands and having great staff who really want to work for us goes a long way towards that.”
Bellcare is always looking for more exceptional and committed care staff in Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport, Cockermouth, Aspatria, Silloth , Wigton, Penrith and Keswick. For more information email debbie.ellwood@bellcare.co.uk or call 01900 872030.
