West Sussex County Council’s Adults’ Services have been applauded in a national inspection by the Care Quality Commission.
The inspection took place at the end of last year and was the first major inspection of West Sussex adults’ social care since 2004.
It rates performance and the council’s capacity to improve.
The inspection rated West Sussex County Council in the following areas as:
· Safeguarding adults – performing well (consistently delivering above the minimum requirements).
· Increased choice and control for older people – performing well.
· And promising prospects for improvement.
Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services Peter Catchpole said: “The new inspection process by the Care Quality Commission is now much more rigorous – a harder test, so I am delighted West Sussex has performed so well.
“We are constantly looking to improve our services and will continue to do so throughout this new year. This is an exciting time for Adults’ Services with the implementation of self-directed support, giving people more control over their social care budget, and the introduction of initiatives to help keep residents independent in their own home for longer.
“I would like to congratulate and thank all our staff for their continued hard work, which benefits so many.”
Comments made by the Care Quality Commission on services said the Council:
· Took prompt action and responded to safeguarding alerts when made.
· Worked well with partners to strengthen their joined approach to safeguarding.
· Had frontline staff that were treating people respectfully and professionally, providing good advice and support when needed.
· Had a strong leadership and overall vision in place for the transformation of council services.
· Had good strategic and operational relationships with health partners.
The Care Quality Commission also made some recommendations to improve services further, including ensuring that the safeguarding service has the capacity to effectively handle an increased volume of work, ensuring that all older people who use services have access to advocacy, and ensuring that people who use services have the opportunity to influence and develop services to meet their needs and to give them greater choice and control.
Peter added: “We are not resting on our laurels. As a result of the recommendations, we will be implementing an improvement plan to ensure we make further strides in the areas identified.”
Director of Adults’ and Children’s Services John Dixon said: “We are very pleased with this result. It is a vote of support for our services and the direction we are taking towards increased choice and control for older people who use services, as well as helping to keep people safe. That is what West Sussex residents tell us they want, and we are leading the way nationally on these improvements.”
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