A recent assurance visit conducted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) between June and December 2024 evaluated North Somerset Council’s performance in nine areas across four key themes: collaboration with individuals, support provision, safety in the system, and leadership quality. The report reveals that the council has accepted its findings and is already making strides in addressing several critical issues. These improvements include reducing waiting times for financial and occupational therapy assessments, as well as enhancing the efficiency of safeguarding inquiries.
In an effort to better serve the community, North Somerset Council has revamped its website to improve accessibility to information and resources for residents. Looking to the future, the council’s long-term objectives aim to create a smoother experience within the social care framework, minimizing wait times, fostering cooperation with partners, and prioritizing the needs and preferences of individuals.
One of the report’s positive highlights is North Somerset’s commitment to innovation through collaboration with external partners, which has empowered staff and expedited care delivery. Notable initiatives include the introduction of inventive technology that supports hospitalized individuals and the launch of the ‘bridge the gap’ service, designed to address shortfalls in care provision while maintaining high standards of service in residential and supported living facilities.
The CQC report underscores the council’s strong dedication to continuous learning and effective teamwork, evidenced by an impressive 100 percent advocacy support rate for individuals lacking mental capacity during safeguarding inquiries, significantly surpassing the national average of 83.38 percent.
Despite these advances, the CQC identified room for improvement in reablement services that assist individuals in transitioning back home after hospital stays. Currently, only 0.61 percent of older adults in North Somerset are receiving this support, compared to the national average of 2.91 percent. Challenges faced by carers in accessing necessary support were also noted.
James Bullion, the Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care at the CQC, acknowledged the difficulties brought on by an aging population, which has seen a 22 percent increase in residents aged 65 and over since 2011. He commended the council for effectively monitoring quality and stated that 84 percent of commissioned care homes have received good ratings from the CQC. However, he also emphasized the need for proactive planning in anticipation of increasing demands for preventative measures, dementia care, mobility assistance, and chronic disease management.
Roger Whitfield, the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services at North Somerset Council, expressed the administration’s acceptance of the CQC findings and detailed their prior implementation of various improvements. He noted that while the efforts made were too early to showcase sustained progress, the council is committed to refining its services in collaboration with stakeholders. Whitfield highlighted the distinct challenges posed by the burgeoning elderly demographic and budget constraints. He thanked the dedicated staff and carers for their invaluable contributions in navigating these complex times, reinforcing the importance of their roles in sustaining the social care system.
The CQC report presents a mixed yet optimistic view of North Somerset Council’s efforts in social care, emphasizing ongoing improvements while acknowledging areas for future growth and adaptation.