Quality, Safety and Compliance Support for Bluebird Care Ireland

“HCI’s support has delivered clear improvements in our service, strengthening our systems, processes, and overall quality across Bluebird Care Ireland. A clearer governance structure has emerged, which is already evident across our network, and we are seeing quality evolve into a culture, not just a response to upcoming regulation. This project has also significantly enhanced our readiness for regulation, giving us the structures, knowledge, and confidence needed to implement future regulations and demonstrate compliance, while continuing to build on our strong foundation of quality care.”

Maebh Doran

National Quality and Clinical Governance Manager, Bluebird Care Ireland

Background

Bluebird Care is a leading provider of homecare services in Ireland, with 22 Franchises nationwide, delivering personalised, high-quality care that enables people to live independently at home.

In preparation for regulation of the home support sector, Bluebird Care wanted to ensure its Irish franchises had the tools and knowledge to implement the HIQA Draft National Standards for Home Support Services (Nov 2024) and the Draft Regulations for Providers of Home Support Services. Consequently, they engaged HCI to provide the expertise and structured support needed to implement the standards and demonstrate compliance.

Objectives

Conduct a Gap Analysis across a selection of representative franchises to identify areas of strength and non-compliance.
Conduct a Self-Assessment Questionnaire across all Franchises to gauge broader needs and align improvements.
Develop and implement a Quality Improvement Programme (QIP), strengthening governance, risk management and safeguarding.
Provide ongoing expert support to guide implementation, ensure effective project governance, and sustain compliance readiness.

Solution

In order to ensure Bluebird Care received comprehensive quality, safety and regulatory support, HCI provided the following solution:

Development of project plan.

Dedicated Quality and Safety Specialist.

Gap Analysis of Bluebird Care Franchises.

Offsite Document Reviews.

Onsite Reviews including Staff Interviews, Process Observations, and Document Reviews.

Analysis of findings.

Development of QIPs.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire.

Implementation of QIP.

Ongoing Support and Advice.

Challenges

The home support sector is currently not regulated, and the regulations and standards available are in Draft which means the exact regulatory requirements are yet to be determined.

Outcome

The project delivered a measurable uplift in quality, governance, and compliance maturity across all Bluebird Care Ireland’s Franchises, with improvements clearly evident at both local and national levels. Through HCI’s expert guidance and collaborative approach, clearer governance structures have been established, strengthening oversight and accountability.

Beyond regulatory readiness, the engagement has helped embed a more consistent and visible culture of quality across the network. This has not only enhanced operational practices but also reinforced Bluebird Care’s core commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

Benefits

Comprehensive and independent review of processes.
Standardised approach to quality, safety, and compliance across all franchises.
Clear visibility of compliance gaps and prioritised improvement actions.
Strengthened governance structures and accountability at local and national levels.
Improved staff knowledge and capability through ongoing support and advice.
Increased readiness for regulation of the home support sector and future inspections from HIQA.
Stronger culture of quality emerging across the organisation.
Better service provided to customers.
Independent expert advice provides Management with reassurance in navigating regulatory readiness.
Demonstrates a clear commitment to quality and safety to regulators, customers, and families.
Positions Bluebird Care as a leader in quality and regulatory readiness.