Praise for the Sagecare team in Bournemouth

One of our registered managers, Ami Hobday, shared some emotional feedback the team in Bournemouth received from the daughter of a service user this week. The team had been supporting the service user for several years, and were there for her right up until the point she sadly passed away.

The family got in touch with Ami to express just how much of an impact the team had made on their mother’s life, writing:

“I want to thank you, on behalf of myself and my brothers for the excellent, professional care which was given to mum. Of particular note are three carers who deserve particular attention.

“Lauren: she brought mum a gentle youthfulness when she was caring for her, mum loved the company of young people and so it was very heartening that Lauren was so good at her job!

“Sonia: I met Sonia on her first day working with your agency. I have seen her flourish into a wonderful and confident carer. Mum loved Sonia. Sonia remembered all the particular things that mum liked and indeed ‘where’ she liked them. Nothing was too much trouble for Sonia and she went above and beyond. When we were nearing the end mum would always turn her head if Sonia spoke to her.

“Alison: The ‘captain’ of the crew. Alison who held it all together. Mum loved Alison and thought she was my sister! Alison was proficient and organised and very capable and caring. Alison gave me great help when we were reaching near the end of mum’s life and for that I am very grateful. It was so lovely that Alison and Lauren got to say goodbye to mum as they had their evening visit just after she died. I am only sorry that Sonia wasn’t there.

“Please share this email with Alison, Sonia and Lauren and let them know that their kindness did not go unnoticed.”

Thank you Lauren, Sonia and Alison – and the rest of the team in Bournemouth – for the exceptional care and support you’ve provided to this family, even after their mum passed away. It’s clear just how much you meant to them through an incredibly challenging time.

Quality Care Services are walking 10,000 steps every day for Cancer Research UK

We found out this week about how the Quality Care Services team in Northern Ireland has taken-on an inspiring fundraising challenge – whilst also working on their own health. Justine May, branch manager, told us how the team is walking 10,000 steps every day this month for Cancer Research UK.

Joining Justine are care coordinators Laura Higgins and Ashleen McKeown, as well as senior carer Una Higgins. The team are all supporting essential cancer research whilst walking to improve their well-being and health.

Justine told us: “We’ve seen first-hand the devastating effect it can have, not only on the person with cancer, but also their family and friends. We’ve also seen the amazing work done by our colleagues within health care to treat cancer patients and achieve amazing outcomes.”

You can find out more and support their walk on the Cancer Research UK website here. Justine says, “We appreciate your support and kindness and will keep you posted as we take this challenge together”.

Thank you to Kim and Sarah at Guardian Homecare

Rebecca Fairclough wrote to us this week asking to recognise the support of two amazing colleagues – Kim Bibby and Sarah Anyon. Rebecca told us:

“I would just like to say thank you to these two dedicated carers and team leaders, they have made everyone feel looked after. They are amazing with smiles and comfort, not just to service users but also to staff.

“I found them to be understanding and the kindness they have both shown should be rewarded. During the COVID tests and vaccine they have made me worry less and explained what was expected of myself and other carers – and that we are a team.”

Thank you for everything you are doing Kim and Sarah – and thank you Rebecca for taking the time to let us know about their outstanding commitment.

A warm welcome to the City & County family

This week, we were incredibly pleased to welcome several businesses into City & County Healthcare Group.

On Monday, we completed the purchase of MiHomecare Limited, including their Noble Live-In Care service. MiHomecare is one of the leading homecare businesses in the UK. They deliver a wide range of social care services to vulnerable adults across England and Wales, with their Noble Live-in Care team also providing specialist live-in care to vulnerable adults.

Alongside MiHomecare, we also acquired their standalone complex care business, Complete Care Amegreen. Based in Telford, Complete Care Amegreen support around 130 people with complex care needs – including for brain and spinal injuries. Complete Care Amegreen’s services will help build our growing position in the complex care market.

Finally, on Wednesday, we completed the purchase of Eclipse Homecare Limited. Based in Worcester, Eclipse Homecare deliver services across central England from four branches – all with ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ CQC inspection ratings. They provide mainly elderly homecare, as well as delivering care at two Extra Care schemes.

We look forward to getting to know the teams at MiHomcecare, Noble Live-in Care, Complete Care Amegreen and Eclipse Homecare over the coming months. Their services fit our strategy to acquire community care businesses across all the segments of homecare and help cement us as one of the UK’s leading community care providers.

New starters in the North West

Finally, Samantha Bond, regional manager in the North West, wanted to make everyone aware of some new names that you might be hearing from in the coming weeks.

Firstly, joining us is a new Regional Trainer for the North West – Alice Senior. And in Northern Ireland, Ursula Monan has re-joined us as Area Support Manager.

Welcome – and ‘welcome back’ in the case of Ursula – to the City & County family. We wish them all the very best in their new respective roles.