Northumberland adult social care rated Good overall

24 Jan 2025 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

The full report is available on the CQC website

Adult social care provision in Northumberland has been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
 
More than 20,000 people each year receive information, advice, support and services from adult social care services in Northumberland.
 
In a report published today, inspectors said people had a good experience of adult social care in Northumberland overall and that people receiving services described staff as helpful, kind, and professional.
 
Inspectors highlighted how staff focus on empowering people and building meaningful relationships with people to ensure good outcomes.
 
They described arrangements with the NHS as ‘exemplary’ saying they held people at the centre of decision-making. They also praised the ‘strong and meaningful relationships with partners’ as an ‘outstanding feature in Northumberland’.
 
Councillor Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Caring for Adults, said: “People who use our services are at the heart of everything we do.
 
“I am delighted the CQC has recognised the great work our Adult Social Care team are doing across Northumberland to help residents achieve good outcomes and live the lives they want.
 
“I would like to thank all those who gave up their time to provide information to the CQC inspectors.
 
“In particular I would like to thank the people who use our services and their families and carers who shared important insights into their experience of adult social care.”
 
Of all the local authorities assessed to date across the country, only three have scored higher than Northumberland.
 
Neil Bradley, Executive Director of Adults, Ageing and Wellbeing and Director of Adult Social Services said: “I am incredibly proud of the work our staff do to support people in Northumberland. Throughout this report the inspectors have recognised their dedication and commitment.
 
“There are of course areas that we want to improve on, and we will continue to strive to provide better outcomes.
 
“Providing the best possible services to our residents will always be our top priority.”
 
James Bullion, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said:
 
“At our assessment of Northumberland County Council, we found an organisation putting collaboration with people and partners at the heart of everything they did. This was having a positive impact on people’s experiences which we saw reflected in the feedback people gave to us on their interactions with the authority. This is particularly impressive given the logistics of providing support to people in rural communities over such a vast geographical area.
 
“Overall, Northumberland should be pleased with the findings of this assessment, and the good practice we found.”
 
The report highlights the range of well-established services in Northumberland focused on helping people to stay heathy and independent, including reablement services, supported living and extra care services, occupational therapy, home improvements and adaptations, assistive technology, equipment and support for unpaid carers.
 
As part of its assessment the CQC met with a range of people receiving care and support, carers, staff, partners, independent providers and relevant community groups.
 
They also analysed performance data and studies of a sample of cases.
Inspectors highlighted that leaders have established an open and respectful culture, which allows innovation, flexibility and learning.
 

The full report is available on the CQC website