The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has outlined the essential requirement for improvements in adult social care services provided by the North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC), as a result of an inspection conducted in August. The inspection report identified problems including inconsistent safeguarding practices, prolonged wait times, and delays in assessments and reviews. However, the CQC has applauded NELC’s hospital discharge process, describing it as a ‘gold standard’. The effectiveness of their telephone support services in offering direct and timely advice was also commended.
NELC assured that actions to address these highlighted issues are already underway. The report additionally suggested that some staff members were unclear about the procedures to report concerns, while care organisations have expressed insufficient detail in support requests from NELC. The inspection data signalled that fewer than half of the individuals receiving short-term support required ongoing care, a statistic that is considerably below the national average. Notwithstanding, the CQC appreciated the council’s effort to increase the number of inpatient rehabilitation beds, reducing hospital stays, alongside its proactive approach to receive feedback that would enhance their services.
Chris Badger, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, recognised the effective partnership working and dedication to person-centred care at NELC. Still, he stressed that more work is crucial for ensuring uniform support for all. Deputy leader of NELC, Councillor Stan Streeve, expressed a resolve to triumph over the difficulties and emphasised continuous efforts to address the identified areas requiring improvement. He acknowledged the serious challenges encountered by some of Grimsby’s most impoverished areas such as East and West Marsh, where life expectancy is markedly low.
The Lincoln Post based this report on original news coverage by www.bbc.com
