The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its assessment of adult social services in Poole.
Annual performance ratings issued by the independent regulator today said Borough of Poole was performing ‘adequately’ in its overall provision of social care services for adults.
The annual performance assessment (APA) includes performance ratings based on seven key outcomes. The CQC judged that Poole was performing ‘well’ in four of the seven categories, ‘adequately’ in two areas and ‘poor’ in one.
As a result of the assessment, the CQC has identified adult social services in Poole as a ‘priority for improvement’.
The APA follows an inspection of adult social services in Poole by the CQC in March and April 2009. An inspection report, published by the CQC in July 2009, found that while preventative services for older people were good and the delivery of personalisation services was adequate, the practice and management of adult safeguarding was poor.
The CQC recognised that the council had already identified and begun work on these issues prior to the inspection. Borough of Poole implemented an action plan in response to the recommendations made in the inspection report.
The council also committed a further investment of more than £200,000 to ensure the full implementation of the action plan, which is being monitored by CQC inspectors.
As a result, actions already being taken include the introduction of new specialist staff in adult safeguarding and other key areas; additional training and support for managers and frontline staff; and strengthening of management arrangements.
The council also arranged for independent monthly audits of safeguarding arrangements for vulnerable adults. These audits have demonstrated significant and sustained improvements with all safeguarding work audited to date assessed as being adequate, good or excellent.
In addition, a new safeguarding board with an independent chairman has been established to oversee work to protect vulnerable adults in Bournemouth and Poole.
The APA and inspection report both identify key strengths in adult social services for local people, including swift access to occupational therapy services, effective support to help people when they return home from hospital and good access to treatment for people with depression and anxiety.
Cllr Elaine Atkinson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Equalities, Borough of Poole, said: "The council acted immediately and effectively to address the recommendations outlined in the CQC inspection report in July.
"The council’s action plan has already led to significant improvements in frontline services and we will continue to work with the CQC inspectors to ensure that this progress is sustained. The council has invested significant additional funds to achieve the required improvements and we welcome the announcement of practical support from the Department of Health.
"We are fully committed to delivering all the improvements set out in our action plan and are making very good progress to achieve these aims."
