Bluebell House Residential and Nursing Home on Barkham Road 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’.
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 council purchased the care home, in Barkham Road, Wokingham, to increase the availability of high quality, affordable dementia and nursing care within the borough.
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.
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.
“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”.
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.
“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.”
