Bluebell House transformation recognised with good CQC rating after joining Optalis

Bluebell House Residential and Nursing Home is celebrating a positive Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment, marking its transformation since Optalis began managing the home. 

Wokingham Borough Council bought the care home in September 2023, and appointed Optalis to run it.

The report is the first CQC assessment of Bluebell House since the transition and provides independent recognition of progress made over this time. 

When the council purchased Bluebell House in 2023, the home had previously been rated inadequate. 

Previously inspectors found, before the care home was taken over, ‘people were not always protected from a risk of harm’, there was ‘negative feedback about staffing levels’, ‘leaders and the culture they created did not assure the delivery of high-quality care’ and ‘not made sufficient adaptations to the premises to meet the needs of people living with dementia’.

Feedback on Bluebell House's transformation

Less than three years later, it has achieved a Good rating across all areas following significant investment in the building, leadership and quality of care.

The new report gives extensive positive feedback from residents and their families.

Relative feedback includes:

• “They are well looked after by kind friendly people”
• “It's wonderful knowing [family member] safe here, it takes a lot of the weight off my shoulders.”
• “It’s a wonderful place, people are very, very nice. All [person] needs are taken care of.”
• “Every time we visit, we feel like we are visiting Nan at home, not somewhere she simply needs to be to stay safe. The team create so much more for her. What shines through is the dedication of the whole Bluebell team to make her feel happy and reassured.”

Creating more care places in Wokingham Borough

The council purchased the care home, in Barkham Road, Wokingham, to increase the availability of high quality, affordable dementia and nursing care within the borough.

This helps local people remain close to their families, friends and communities as their needs change. 

During the assessment, inspectors heard positive feedback from residents and their families, who described feeling safe, respected and well cared for. 

They observed warm, patient and person-centred interactions between colleagues and residents, alongside a calm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the care home.

The people living at Bluebell House were also supported to make choices about their day to day lives, including meals and refreshments, promoting dignity, independence and wellbeing.

Recognising investment in facilities

The CQC recognised the substantial investment that has been made in improving the care home’s environment, noting that significant work had already been completed, with further enhancements planned.

Investment in the home includes:

• New boiler and heating system
• Redecoration and new flooring for all bedrooms and corridors
• New fire alarm system and replacement of fire doors
• New nurse call system
• New furniture and equipment
• New fencing and outdoor space improvements
• New external windows and doors
• New fascia and guttering
• Created on-site staff training space
• New storage spaces for mattresses and other equipment
• Redecorated and new flooring for communal areas including lounge, reception, TV room and dining room
• New internal lift

Improvements have included upgrades to key infrastructure and facilities, helping to create a more comfortable, accessible and welcoming environment for residents. 

Feedback from inspectors

The inspectors’ feedback includes:

• Interactions between staff and people were warm, patient and person-centred, and relatives were highly complementary about the care provided. 
• We were informed significant financial investment had recently been made to improve the environment and overall condition of the home. It was evident that work had been undertaken to address key aspects of the environment, with additional plans in place to continue these enhancements.
• People’s experiences reflected a provider sought to listen, learn and improve, with systems in place to support staff wellbeing, gather feedback and maintain a safe and supportive environment

Providing high quality care which supports people to live the way want aligns with the council’s Social Care Future principles. 

'Reflects the hard work, commitment and care shown every day'

Councillor David Hare, executive member for adult services, health and wellbeing, said: “When Wokingham Borough Council acquired Bluebell House, our aim was to provide an excellent nursing home service and so strengthen the provision of dementia and nursing care for local residents.

"It is incredibly encouraging to see this CQC assessment recognise the rapid progress that has been made and, most importantly, to hear such positive feedback from residents and their families.

"This report reflects the hard work, commitment and care shown every day by colleagues at Bluebell House while it also demonstrates the value of investing in high-quality local care services for our community.

“The council is fully committed to the Social Care Future vision that everyone should live in a place they call home and in a community that looks out for them – this report shows how this is being done in our borough day to day. 

“This is primarily about people. Residents and families deserve excellent care in a place they can be proud of. To see Bluebell House move from where it was to achieving a good rating today is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.

“I would like to thank all the staff who have done so much, but also the people who renewed the building, along with everyone who has help to make Bluebell House what it is today.

”This has been a council wide piece of work in partnership with Optalis, it is great to see everyone working together to make this positive place to live."

'Creating a place where people feel safe, valued and supported'

Helen Woodland, Optalis Chief Executive Officer, added: "Since taking over the management of the home, our focus has been on creating a place where people feel safe, valued and supported, while building a positive culture centred on kindness, dignity and person-centred care.

"This assessment reflects the significant journey Bluebell House has been on. 

"Through the dedication of our colleagues, investment from Wokingham Borough Council and a commitment to continuous improvement, we have strengthened the quality of care, enhanced the environment and improved the experience of residents and their families.

"Achieving a Good rating is an important milestone and recognition of the progress made. 

"While we are proud of what has been achieved, we remain committed to listening, learning and continuing to improve."

Celebrating the joint achievement

For residents, families and colleagues, the assessment marks an important milestone, and the shared commitment of Optalis and Wokingham Borough Council to delivering high-quality dementia and nursing care for local people.

Colleagues, residents and families will come together later this month to celebrate the achievement and recognise the dedication of everyone who has contributed to Bluebell House's transformation.

Bluebell House is one of two care homes the council has purchased in recent years, with The Hollies Care Home in Burghfield Common also invested in last year. It’s also run by Optalis.

Wokingham Borough has an aging population and need for high quality residential and nursing care is growing. 

By purchasing care homes, the council will increase the availability of high quality, affordable care within the local area.