RaH Bedford is rated Outstanding on the Inspector’s first visit

Franchise Owner Jagdeep Ahluwalia and his team at Right at Home Bedford are celebrating getting an Outstanding CQC rating, straight out of the gates on their first inspection.

Jagdeep and his Registered Manager, Shelley Lowden, were praised by the Care Quality Commission for their highly collaborative and reflective approach to deliver an exceptional service, and hailed for setting an example to the sector.

The report said: “The way the service was led was exceptional and distinctive. The management team had developed a vision and values that were imaginative and placed people at the heart of the service. Their aim was to elevate care as a profession and help ease pressures on the care system.”

Leading to its overall Outstanding, Right at Home Bedford was rated Outstanding for being Caring and Well-led and Good for being Safe, Effective and Responsive.  

Right at Home’s Director of Quality, ‘In Home’ and Clinical Care, Simon Osborne, described this as “an incredible achievement, particularly at the regulator’s first inspection visit.”

Gill Hodgson-Reilly, CQC deputy director of operations in the East of England, said: “The care provided to people at Right at Home Bedford was outstanding. We found a culture which was extremely person centred, inclusive and empowering.  

“People were supported to live their lives the way they wanted to and were supported by staff to express themselves and make their own choices at their own pace.  

“Throughout the inspection, we saw many great examples of how people’s lives had been enriched since using Right at Home Bedford.

“We found this to be a well-run and supportive organisation that focused on people’s needs. Other services should look at this as an example of the high standards of care people should expect.”  

Inspectors found:  

• Staff went to great lengths to ensure people were able to express their views. Some people had been supported by staff who were fluent in their first language to contribute in a meaningful way, making sure each person’s views were fully captured and validated.
• Visits were arranged so that people received their care and support in a compassionate, personal way that was not rushed.
• People confirmed staff treated them with sensitivity and ensured they felt respected and listened to, in terms of their individual preferences.
• Staff consistently said they felt supported by their employer, which allowed them to work together to provide the best service for people.
• Staff cared for people and one another in a way that exceeded expectations, and the management team was driven by their ambition to provide an excellent service for people based on consultation, research and reflective practice.
• The managing director had worked to build connections with other services and organisations, so Right at Home Bedford could work collaboratively, be a role model and support the sector to improve overall.

Right at Home UK currently has 34% of its CQC inspected locations rated overall Outstanding, giving it the highest percentage of Outstanding ratings in comparison to all other major Homecare providers.

Simon said: “This network-wide status illustrates the fantastic quality of the care being delivered across our exceptional network every day.

“Special thanks also go to both Tyler Haldane, Quality and Compliance Manager, and Sharon Scully, Senior Business Support Manager, for the excellent support they have provided to Right at Home Bedford.

“Congratulations once again to Jagdeep, Shelley and the brilliant Right at Home Bedford team.”

Jagdeep started his business in January 22, having stayed in his job 2 years longer than planned due to the pandemic. His manager Shelley joined the team in March 22 and Jagdeep praised the work between her and their Quality & Compliance Manager, Tyler Haldane, to support the team of 23 employees in preparing for the inspection.

He said: "This is fantastic recognition for the team's hard work; I'm incredibly proud of them all. It's also great for us as a business as we continue to grow and support more people in and around Bedford."