Release Date: 28/11/2008
Services for some of the borough’s most vulnerable adults have been awarded a two star, “Good” and “Promising” rating after a rigorous assessment by Government inspectors.
The star rating has been given by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) after a detailed and thorough examination of the adult social care services directly provided or commissioned by Richmond Council.
They specifically praised personalised services for older people, partnership working and strong leadership, all with promising prospects for further improvement.
Inspectors highlighted areas for improvement such as levels of intermediate care and discharge services from hospitals. They also considered the results of an inspection into the Council’s safeguarding policies, procedures and practice which was carried out in January 2008, where the service was awarded an adequate rating.
Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, Cllr Denise Carr, said:
“We are naturally disappointed that our rating has slipped since last year. However, we are pleased that the inspectors did recognise some of the excellent services we provide in the borough.
“Some of the most vulnerable people in the community rely on our services and we are determined to ensure they are as good, responsive and effective as possible.
“We have already tackled areas where improvement is needed. Since our safeguarding inspection we have developed an action plan for improving services and will be appointing an independent Chair of the Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board to strengthen the public profile of this key area.
“In addition we have launched the most detailed, comprehensive and robust safeguarding procedures the borough has ever had. Our partners, including the Police, the Primary Care Trust, Mental Health Trust, voluntary organisations and our providers have all agreed to adhere to them.
“We have also carried out a full review of our intermediate care services, adopting a new model for discharging procedures from hospitals.
“I would like to offer my thanks to everyone in Adult and Community Services. The last twelve months has seen some excellent work, particularly in the personalisation of service, which really does make a difference to people’s lives.
“We are always looking to improve even further and we will keep our sights firmly on raising our standards to excellent.”