Todmorden News

Calderdale Improving Adult Social Care

Adult social care services in Calderdale continue to improve, according to an official report released today. The report, produced by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), which takes account of all aspects of care delivery, also says Calderdale Council is well set for further improvement.

While the overall rating of “2-star: good” remains the same as last year’s Performance Assessment for Adult Services, the inspectors say: “performance is generally improved in all areas.”

They highlight a number of key areas which are now deemed “3-star: excellent”, including improving the health and emotional well being of those needing care.

The increasing extent to which volunteers, minority groups, those in care and their carers can contribute to the development of the service is also described as excellent.

And inspectors also say that Calderdale Council is in a good position to continue its recent improvement. They say the Council’s capacity to improve services further is promising and praise the way in which the Council works with its partner organisations.

“Adult social care is positively implementing its plans to deliver change,” says the report.

“Almost all areas for improvement from 06/07 have been positively addressed, some very well indeed, and performance is generally improved in all areas.

The inspectors say they are impressed by the increasing evidence of joint working with healthcare partners.

“The Council and Primary Care Trust (PCT) are currently developing an overall commissioning strategy. However, there is solid evidence of increasing joint commissioning.”

The inspectors say that closer joint working means both organisations can be more effective and efficient in the future.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member, Health and Social Care, Cllr. Graham Reason, says: “Adult social care is of paramount importance in Calderdale and this report indicates that the work the Council and its partners are doing to improve care across all areas is paying dividends.”

Calderdale Council’s Group Director, Health and Social Care, Jonathan Phillips, says that while the report is encouraging, a great deal of work remains to be done.

“The report identifies areas where further improvement can be made. A top priority is to make services more personal by explaining to people how much funding is available to meet their needs and discussing how best they can use it. We are working hard to address the areas for improvement highlighted by the inspectors.

“There is of course still work to be done, but the ongoing progress we continue to make is encouraging.”