Top marks for council service for vulnerable people
A Shropshire Council service for vulnerable adults is celebrating after it was given top marks in a positive report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the UK’s Government watchdog for the care sector.
Community Living, based in Shrewsbury, provides support for adults with learning disabilities throughout Shropshire to enable them to live independently in ordinary housing within their community.
The report published last week (early November 2011) on the Review of Compliance found that Community Living were meeting all the essential standards of quality and safety and were judged to be compliant in all areas of its inspection.
CQC Inspections are graded from ‘compliant’ to ‘major concern’. Receiving a ‘compliant’ rating at inspection signifies a service is consistent and reflective of individuals’ needs, that it demonstrates the high level of quality care, and represents real dedication from staff.
Commenting in the report, the inspector indicated that people were supported to make choices about their care and support which reflects their views and wishes. They are treated with dignity and respect and their independence is promoted. One person told them “Community Living do a wonderful job. Everyone is so proud at how well I’m doing. They do a perfect job. They are superstars and I’m very impressed with them”.
The inspector also indicated that staff shared sound examples of how they promoted privacy and dignity and that they were provided with “good” training opportunities to keep people safe and meet their individual and complex needs.
Feedback from staff and other professionals who used the service was very positive. One professional had informed CQC that, “They work very well with all professionals and have a ‘can do attitude’ with people they support. Their person-centredness really shines through. All credit to them, they do a great job”.
Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, said,
“I am absolutely delighted that Community Living has received such a positive report. This recognises the caring, professionalism and commitment of our dedicated staff who ensure the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable people. I’d like to congratulate the team whom I’m sure are very proud of the results of this report.”
Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for disability, said:
“This is great news and a true testament to the hard work and dedication of staff. This report indicates that the service is not only getting it right for the people it supports, but is also doing this in an environment that recognises and nurtures that.”
Manager of Community Living, Liz Casson, said:
”Our staff work really hard to provide a good service to vulnerable people. Staff have a great rapport with people they work with and are very compassionate and committed about the support they provide.”
CQC carried out this review as part of their routine schedule of planned reviews. Inspections are designed to assure vulnerable adults, their families and carers, the public, councils and the Government of the quality and standard of the service provided.
To see the report, go to the CQC website under reports.
Further information
By law, providers of certain adult social care and health care services have a legal responsibility to make sure they are meeting essential standards of quality and safety.
These are the standards everyone should be able to expect when they receive care.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has written guidance about what people who use services should experience when providers are meeting essential standards, called “Guidance about compliance: Essential standards of quality and safety.”
Compliant means that people who use services are experiencing the outcomes relating to the essential standard.
A minor concern means that people who use services are safe but are not always experiencing the outcomes relating to this essential standard.
A moderate concern means that people who use services are safe but are not always experiencing the outcomes relating to this essential standard and there is an impact on their health and well-being because of this.
A major concern means that people who use services are not experiencing the outcomes relating to this essential standard and are not protected from unsafe or inappropriate care, treatment and support.
Where CQC identify compliance, no further action is taken. Where CQC have concerns, the most appropriate action is taken to ensure that the necessary improvements are made. Where there are a number of concerns, we may look at them together to decide the level of action to take.
