Caring for You, From the Heart: Meet the team behind Bluebird Care Merton

Jay Patel, Director / Registered Manager

Jay Patel founded Bluebird Care Merton in 2012 with a clear vision: to provide compassionate, personalized care that empowers individuals to live independently in their own homes. With a background in leadership and a passion for community service, Jay was driven to create a care service that combined professionalism with a personal touch.

"When I started Bluebird Care Merton, my goal was simple – to bring genuine care into people’s homes and improve their quality of life," Jay shares. "Merton holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I’ve seen the incredible strength of community spirit. It's more than just a place to work; it's where I’ve built relationships that go beyond business."

Since its inception, Bluebird Care Merton has grown to become a trusted provider, known for its dedication to enhancing the well-being and quality of life of those it serves in the local community. 

"I’m proud to serve Merton, where the connections we build truly make a difference, not just in care but in how we support one another as a community."

Martine Gillfillian: Assistant Registered Manager

 My role involves managing all office staff under our Director Jay and supporting the management team to best support the care team in the community. My role is very vital in leading the teams roles and insuring we are safe, compliant, caring ,responsive and well lead.

I have worked within the health care industry for over 11 years and have enjoyed every minute. I originally came from a nursing background, but from a young age have had a genuine love of helping others. I like to say caring is in my DNA coming from a family of nurses myself. I have always said care is not a job, but a passion that comes from the heart. I have previously worked with a few domiciliary care agencies as part of the management team, working with individuals with learning disability, mental health, the elderly of all age groups.

Joining the team at Bluebird Care I believe I can bring a fresh set of eyes to an agency with hardworking and a strong sense of team ethics. I believe I can also add practical support as a member of the management team. I can bring more structure to the compliance of the business and general growth to an already ever-growing establishment.

Ruchita Patel: Finance Manager

I’ve been with Bluebird Care Merton for over 8 years now, and my role holds a special place in my heart. As the first point of contact for payroll and invoicing queries, I understand how even the smallest details matter when it comes to making sure everything runs smoothly for our customers and their families. I’ve always been described as kind and passionate in what I do, and I think that’s why I feel right at home here. We’re a team that truly cares about each person’s well-being, making sure that they can stay in the place they love most—home—while supporting our own team members to grow and thrive.

What I find truly unique about Bluebird Care Merton is the way we listen to the needs of our customers. Everything we do is centered around them, whether it's helping someone keep their familiar routines or just being there to provide a reassuring presence. That’s what sets us apart, and it’s why I’m proud to be part of this family. Over the years, I’ve gained so much knowledge and experience, and I look forward to growing with this amazing team for many years to come.

Fiona Hutchison: Lead Coordinator

I was born in St George’s Hospital and have lived most of my life in the Borough of Merton, my family goes back 5 generations who all lived in 3 connecting roads in Colliers Wood. I have had a few different careers, starting as a Chef after qualifying at Merton College and was lucky enough to cook for some very well known people, including Madonna, Sean Connery and Johnny Depp. After about 10 years as a high end chef I changed direction and began working for various homeless charities where I got the bug for Youth and Community Work and retrained as Youth Worker. I did this for a number of years before starting my own company which specialised in training other youth workers to successfully work with disaffected and challenging young people. This business was a great success and I was lucky enough to travel the world extensively. When my mum started to slow down, due to her age and various medical ailments I gave up working, moved back to Merton and spent the last 6 years of her life taking care of her. After she passed away I suddenly became aware that I needed a job with purpose. It was 6 years ago that I Joined the Bluebird Care team as a carer.  I absolutely loved it!

I adored all (well nearly all) of my customers and looked forward to seeing them every day. When my own health started to slow me down I was absolutely gutted and thought I would have to give up care work completely. Fate has a way of finding solutions so when a position came up in the office, as Coordinator I applied and I was offered the job. I love my job, it can be hugely demanding and sometimes stressful but it’s extremely  rewarding and we even manage to have a laugh and a joke while we’re working. It’s so nice to be back in the office with team members again, where we can support each other and provide a listening ear and a cup of tea when it’s needed. My heart will always be as a carer and I like to believe that because I personally know our customers and carers it makes me want to do my job to the very highest standards, believe me our amazing team of carers would soon tell me if I fall short on this.

Lynne Tomkins: Lead Supervisor

Need an assessment done? want assist? reviews and spot checks ? I am your person!

Being a lead field supervisor has allowed me to support customers and care workers to the best of my ability. I make sure that the care plans are put in place, the assists are completed weekly and report any other issues or concerns to external healthcare professionals when needed. I take pride in making sure our service is at high quality standard and will go above and beyond to make sure the needs of customers and care workers are met. It can be hard juggling all the time however, it is highly rewarding seeing customers happy with the service.

Jacinth Miller: Quality Assurance Lead

Tayla Gillfillian: Customer Support Supervisor