Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform is attached.

The Chair invited Councillor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform, to present the report.

Councillor Tariq advised that it was not often that an item followed two such positive inspection outcomes. He reported that Falcon and Griffin services had received a rating of Good from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), whilst Killalea had been rated Outstanding. Introducing the report, he explained that it outlined the outcome of Bury's Local Authority Adult Social Care CQC Assessment, which had resulted in an overall judgement of Good.

Members were advised that the assessment recognised a number of strengths across the partnership, including strong integration with NHS partners, effective co-production with residents and stakeholders, Bury's positive organisational culture, strengths-based approaches to practice, timely support for carers and a clear understanding of workforce challenges through existing workforce planning arrangements.

Councillor Tariq took the opportunity to thank staff, partners and colleagues for their contribution to the assessment outcome. He recognised the efforts of all those involved in driving improvement over recent years and paid particular tribute to Adrian Crook and Sue Massel for their leadership. He stated that significant improvements had been made across adult social care services and that Bury had successfully recruited and retained high-quality staff, which continued to be a major strength for the Council.

Councillor FitzGerald commented that Adrian Crook had consistently been open and transparent with members regarding areas for improvement and acknowledged the work that had been undertaken.

Councillor Martin thanked officers for the report and referred to the section relating to support during periods of crisis, particularly outside normal working hours. He asked how awareness of these services could be improved to ensure that residents and carers were aware of the support available.

In response, Councillor Tariq emphasised the importance of partnership working, particularly with Pennine Care and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. He explained that services benefit from local knowledge and a detailed understanding of individual circumstances, which helps ensure appropriate support is provided. He described this joined-up approach as one of the strengths identified through the assessment process.

Adrian Crook added that feedback received during the assessment process included comments regarding the responsive and personalised support provided by teams, including the availability of in-house overnight sitting services where required.

Councillor Southworth congratulated officers on the assessment outcome. Drawing on experience of working with older people and intermediate care services, he commented that a great deal of good work was taking place that residents were often unaware of. He suggested that more should be done to communicate the positive support available. He also asked how residents could access information about digital services and support.

Councillor Tariq acknowledged the point and agreed that further work was required to improve awareness of adult social care services and support available to residents and carers. He noted the importance of communication, particularly for individuals who may feel isolated or disconnected from services. He advised that this issue would be considered further through ongoing work around the Carers Strategy and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 139

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform presented a report regarding the results of first CQC assessment of Bury Local Authority and summarised the key strengths and areas where improvement was required. Councillor Tariq advised that the overall assessment found that Bury delivers Good standard of adult social care, with strengths in leadership, effective safeguarding, partnership working and a clear strategic vision. Members expressed their thanks to all staff and partners for their work and contribution, and officers thanked cross-party Councillors for their part in the inspection and outcome.

Decision:

Cabinet noted outcome of the CQC inspection of Adult Social Care.

Reasons for the decision:

N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected:

N/A