HARTLEPOOL Council has received top marks for adult social care services following an assessment by Government inspectors.
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has awarded the authority 3 stars for 2008 – the highest possible ranking - and judged the capacity to improvement as ‘excellent.’
The announcement came this week as the CSCI published council performance ratings countrywide.
In her report, Linda Christon of the CSCI ,said: “Hartlepool Council works effectively with health and other local agencies to improve people’s wellbeing, and provide a wide range of information about healthy lifestyles in a range of formats.
“Integrated locality teams enable staff to work together effectively. The Council continues to provide a high level of non-residential care, and arrangements for residential rehabilitation of older people have been expanded.”
The report goes on the praise the impact the Council is having on people’s quality of life.
“A high number of people are helped to live in their own homes, and equipment and adaptations are delivered promptly.
“The Council is increasingly focusing on early prevention measures, and there is a significant network of services for people with low-level care needs. Some support is in the form of help such as gardening or decorating, whilst other assistance is through social activities.
“The Council is increasingly installing lifelines, fall detectors and door sensors which help people feel safer in their homes,” says the report.
It goes on to acknowledge that residents can shape their own care packages.
“Everyone in contact with the department now undertakes a self-assessment and is informed of their annual resource allocation. They are helped to decide how they wish this money to be used, via a personal support plan.”
Councillor Ged Hall, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult and Public Health Services, said: “Last year we received 2 stars so there have clearly been big improvements to be awarded 3 stars.
“This really is excellent news and a tribute to the hard work, dedication and professionalism shown by all of our adult social care staff. We have also been able to achieve the top rating against a background of ongoing challenges facing staff.”
