A service which provides home-based care for older people in Bury and Bolton has been praised by the healthcare watchdog after an inspection.

Walfinch Bolton and Bury, which began proving homecare services in the borough last year, has received a "good" rating following its first inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The homecare franchise, established in the towns by managing director Monique Gadd, is designed to offer an alternative to care homes, with statistics showing that nine out of ten people saying if they need care they would prefer to receive it in their own home.

The CQC inspection involved extensive engagement with the care staff, service users, their relatives, the registered manager, Caroline Flood, and Monique.

The assessment focused on evaluating the safety, effectiveness, level of care, responsiveness, and leadership of the service provided.

And Walfinch Bolton and Bury received "good" scores in all five key areas.

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Since opening Walfinch Bolton and Bury is continuing to establish a solid base of clients in the area and has recruited a number of dedicated carers, with opportunities available for more to join the growing team.

The company offers a comprehensive range of home-based care services to individuals residing in the two boroughs.

During the inspection, the CQC contacted several clients to receive independent feedback on the level of care they receive from the Walfinch team.

A relative for one client said: “We have never been let down by Walfinch.

"Nothing seems too much trouble for staff, and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.

"They have made a positive impact on (my relative's) life and their ability to stay independent and living at home.”

MD Monique added: "We are incredibly proud to have received our first 'good' rating following the inspection.

“This positive outcome is the result of the team's unwavering dedication to providing a high-quality service.

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“Achieving 'good' ratings across all assessed areas in our first official inspection is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional care."

In addition, Monique won the Outstanding Woman in Care Services category in the Bolton Women in Business Awards 2023, and has been shortlisted for the She Inspires Awards 2023 for the Businesswomen of the Year category.