Adult social care services 'improving', council says

Improvements have been made to a local authority's adult social care services after it was told it needed to make changes, it has claimed.

West Northamptonshire Council said waiting times were "falling significantly" after it was rated "requires improvement" by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The CQC assessment, released in January, found there were long waiting lists for support equipment and occupational therapy services – particularly in rural areas – and people had mixed experiences accessing care.

The council said through its Becoming Better Together programme services had been strengthened, but there was still work to do following the CQC's assessment.

It added: "Work has been underway to strengthen services, improve performance and ensure residents receive timely, safe and effective support."

The council said its own report found there had been a reduction in the number of people waiting for occupational therapy support from 420 to 156.

It had also reduced the number of people waiting for an assessment from 310 down to 72.

There had also been an increase in the proportion of people receiving a review of their care and support within 12 months, from 56% to 75%.

"Improvements in safeguarding processes, workforce development, hospital discharge arrangements and support for carers had also been made," the council added.

Reform UK councillor Laura Couse, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "We are seeing clear signs of progress.

"These improvements are making a positive difference for residents, carers and families.

"There is still more work to do, but I am encouraged by the progress being made already.

"Our focus remains on delivering the improvements residents rightly expect and ensuring people receive the support they need, when they need it."

The council report will be considered at a cabinet meeting on 12 October.

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