Inspectors ‘identify significant areas for improvement’ at Powys adult services
An inspection of Adult Services at Powys County Council has ‘identified significant areas for improvement’ outlined in a Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) report published today.
The inspection, which took place in January, looked at how adults, their families and carers access information advice and assistance services and are supported and safeguarded by the council.
The main findings include:
- Inspectors saw evidence some people received good care and support but this was not consistent.
- Some people faced significant delays in being assessed for care and support and in receiving a service. Significant improvement is required.
- There was good co-operation between frontline health and social care staff and a range of voluntary sector and community groups.
- Urgent safeguarding referrals were dealt with swiftly and effectively.
- There was an unacceptable backlog of safeguarding work at screening and enquiry stages.
- Inspectors noted the commitment of staff who have shown professionalism whilst coping with many changes and depleted resources.
The inspection was prompted by concerns raised by people who use services, members of the public, Assembly Members and issues identified during the children’s services inspection in 2017.
The existence of an Improvement and Assurance Board, which is independently chaired and includes external advisors to secure improvement across social services, and the appointment of a permanent Director of Social Services, should now drive the required improvements and ensure positive outcomes for adults in need of care or support and their carers in Powys.
CIW acknowledged Powys County Council had developed an improvement plan prior to the inspection. Inspectors were pleased to note senior managers accepted the findings and have committed themselves to achieving the necessary improvements.
Chief Inspector Gillian Baranski said: “Although our inspection has identified significant areas for improvement, the local authority has taken positive steps to improve and stabilise the service, including the appointment of a permanent Director of Social Services.
“With the support of the Improvement and Assurance Board, we expect to see swift improvement across social services to ensure positive outcomes for people with care and support needs, their families and carers in Powys.
“We will continue to monitor progress in implementing Powys’ improvement plans for both children’s and now adult services.”
The report is published on the CIW website: https://goo.gl/X3AMjd
