Meet the care team providing home care and live-in care across Merton. Each profile shares more about the individuals who support our customers, including their roles, experience and the contribution they make to delivering personalised care throughout the local community.
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
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.
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 assistance? 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
Jacinth ensures that we consistently deliver high-quality care. As Quality Assurance Lead, she oversees recruitment, bringing in dedicated carers who share the team’s passion for providing exceptional support. She also monitors office processes, audits care documentation, and supports the team to make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Having started her journey as a carer herself, Jacinth brings valuable firsthand experience and insight into the role of care workers. She’s always on hand in the office, answering phones, guiding the team, and offering advice where needed. Known for her spicy sense of humour, Jacinth keeps the office lively and approachable while ensuring the highest standards are maintained. Her warmth, professionalism, and fun energy make her an essential part of the Bluebird Care Wimbledon team.
Gavin Field - Lead Trainer
With a calm presence and a hands-on approach, Gavin wears many hats. Not only is he our Field Care Supervisor, but he’s also our in-house trainer, guiding new and experienced carers through their learning journey and overseeing the E-learning modules for both carers and office staff. His ability to balance patience with encouragement makes training both supportive and motivating, and he’s always ready to share his knowledge in a way that builds confidence. Out in the field, Gavin plays a vital role in supporting both carers and customers. He works closely with Lynne on customer assessments and hospital discharges, making sure every care package is tailored to individual needs and transitions are as smooth as possible. Gavin stands out with the energy and positivity he brings to every situation. Whether it’s providing advice, checking in with carers, or stepping in to lend a hand, he’s always there to make sure no one feels left on their own. Known for his big personality and sense of humour, Gavin has a knack for putting people at ease and listening with empathy. An asset to the team, he ensures care is delivered to the highest standard while making carers, customers, and colleagues alike feel supported, heard, and valued, all while keeping the mood light and the laughs flowing.
Tayla Gillfillian - Customer Support Supervisor
Tayla is one of our youngest office members, commonly known as the queen of multi-tasking. She’s loved for her energy, her ability to juggle a million things at once, and the caring way she supports both customers and carers every day. From answering calls and auditing care notes to dealing with incidents, running daily team meetings and weekly risk assessments, Tayla’s always on hand to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. She’s also our fire marshal and first aider, and the one who keeps on top of organising and distributing PPE, so everyone has what they need to provide safe and reliable care. Behind the scenes, Tayla’s hard work ensures our customers receive continuity of care, while carers feel supported and confident knowing she’s there to help. She brings a steady balance of reliability and positivity that makes a real difference every single day, and thanks to the lovely bond she builds with customers over the phone, they always know they’ll be listened to, reassured, and even cheered up with a laugh when they need it most.
Kaycee McLean - Community Engagement Officer
Our link to the wider community, Kaycee builds relationships, promotes our services, and ensures we stay connected to local events and initiatives. She goes out into the community handing out birthday gifts and cards for customers and carers, presenting Care Expert of the Month awards, taking pictures out and about, and building strong relationships with other professionals and charities. Kaycee first started out caring in the field, giving her a strong foundation and real understanding of what good care means day to day. Now, as a senior carer, she helps with supervision duties such as customer reviews and coordinating regular care expert observations. She also attends mentor meetings to discuss and review any concerns or updates from the field, ensuring carers are fully supported. In addition, Kaycee carries out weekly health and wellbeing checks for all customers, including those in live-in care, to make sure they feel safe, supported, and happy at home. With her warm, approachable personality, she has a natural way of putting people at ease, supporting carers, and building trust with customers, making her a vital and valued member of the team.
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.