WORKINGTON-based Bellcare is celebrating after receiving a top-class rating from the Care Quality Commission.

'Safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led' were 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 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.

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 of too.

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“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 covers a huge patch in Cumbria, from Millom in the south to Carlisle in the north, and over into the Lake District.

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.

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.”

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