A home care provider has been praised by Care Quality Commission inspectors for its tireless work during the pandemic.

First City Nursing Services, which delivers personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community, has been rated outstanding following an inspection. It was last assessed in 2018 received the same rating then.

Some of the 650 people who use the service told inspectors staff were extremely caring, positive, respectful and “went the extra mile.”

The glowing report praised management’s vision as “imaginative, innovative and putting people at the centre of service delivery” and said First City was well-led and compassionate towards staff in their religious practices by sourcing specialised PPE and altering rotas for prayer.

It added: “People’s independence was actively promoted improving people’s well-being and reducing social isolation.”

It comes almost a year after the managing director Stephen Trowbridge was awarded an MBE for services to domiciliary care during Covid.

The latest report said: “The provider’s tireless work during the pandemic influenced government policy, facilitated a steady supply of PPE across the sector and helped to enable hospital discharge patients on time, avoiding backlogs and waiting lists.”

The report hailed the company for ensuring people were "supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible," and said their independence was "actively promoted improving people’s well-being and reducing social isolation."

Mr Trowbridge said: “This rating is excellent news, not just for us and our wonderful team who have worked so hard to achieve this, even with the ongoing challenges with Covid and workforce pressures.

“It’s true to say that the pandemic has made all of our lives harder over the last two years however this Outstanding rating is testament to the endurance, strength, resilience and determination of our team.

“But this team desperately needs more people to sustain it and provide quality care to our communities, with an ever increase demand for services.”

“A career in care offers flexibility and job satisfaction that often can’t be found elsewhere, and if you’ve got even just a few hours of time spare a week and want to make a difference, I’d urge anyone to consider one of the roles currently available in the town.”