‘Good’ rating for Plymouth’s adult social care service

A council’s adult social care service still needs improvements despite having a “good” rating, inspectors said.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) gave Plymouth City Council’s service, which accounts for more than a quarter of its budget, a 67% rating overall.

It said the council provided an “exceptional standard” in ensuring everyone, regardless of background, receives fair and personalised support, achieving similar positive results, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

But shortfalls were identified in assessing people’s needs, care provision, continuity of care, safe pathways and transitions and safeguarding. The council said it would work with CQC on the areas highlighted.

Chris Badger, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said the council had “a strong commitment to collaborative working and continuous improvement”.

The report found joined-up teams worked well to understand and reduce barriers to care and support and addressed inequalities.

It also praised wellbeing hubs, which offer advice and support in one location.

Mr Badger added: “People who use the service, and their families, also have a real say in how things are run, from helping choose which organisations should deliver care, to shaping future plans for unpaid carers.”

He said “significant challenges remain” and “advocacy support wasn’t always offered when required”.

He noted some partners said staff closed cases too soon and some providers felt there was less preventative work taking place around safeguarding.

He said: “The challenge now is to ensure the improvements are carried out, sustained and embedded across all service areas.”

Gary Walbridge, the council’s strategic director for adults, health and communities, said it was proud to have the strength of its work recognised.

“However, we acknowledge there are areas that require further improvement and the report has also helped highlight where we need to do more to ensure that everyone gets the same standard of care,” Mr Walbridge added.