Bradford Council’s Adult Services Department has been judged “good” by the Care Quality Commission, with the inspection body saying they found a “strong focus on reducing inequalities in one of England’s most deprived areas.”
The results of the first CQC inspection into the Council’s service has been published today (Friday) following an inspection in April.
Council bosses say the rating “reflects the dedication and commitment of staff” in the District.
The report awards the Council a good rating in most areas, including safeguarding, care provision and governance.
It lists numerous positives, with the service, saying the Council “understood the current needs of the local population and the local care market, and were also planning ahead to meet future projected needs.”
But it points out the service has shortfalls when it comes to assessing people’s needs, and says some unpaid carers felt they did not get enough Council support.
Another criticism mentioned was “The local authority didn’t always complete assessments in a timely manner, although they had plans in place to support people who were waiting.”
Inspectors from the CQC visited Bradford in April and met with staff, stakeholders, partners, focus groups as well as those receiving care from social care teams.
People working in health and care, and those using social care services were invited to share their views and this informed the focus of the CQCs visit.
After the publication of the report, Chris Badger, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said: “At this assessment, we found the local authority delivering good access to adult social care to people living in Bradford.
“We saw passionate leaders and staff who were committed to ensuring people have a positive experience and received person-centred support when they needed it.
“Leaders demonstrated a strong focus on reducing inequalities in one of England’s most deprived areas.
“The local authority was engaging with people, including seldom-heard groups, to understand and address the specific risks and issues experienced by them. This helped to break down barriers and make people feel included.
“We heard how Bradford has an urgent community response service which attends to people within two hours, supporting them when they are at risk of being admitted to hospital. This is having a positive impact on people, allowing them to receive short term care in their own home rather than being admitted to hospital. The service was being expanded due to the rise in demand which was also reducing pressures on the NHS.
“Our assessment team also found the authority is working towards becoming a neurodiverse friendly city. Social workers with their own lived experience were working in the neurodiversity team, to support with assessments to help prevent and reduce people’s need for more formal support.
“Despite many strengths, leaders were aware of mixed feedback from unpaid carers about the support available to them.
“Some felt listened to throughout their carers assessment and well supported, while others felt they had no support following their assessment. The local authority has acknowledged this issue and has developed a carers strategy to help provide more consistent support to meet their needs.
“Overall, the staff at Bradford should be really pleased with their good rating and the services they’re providing to people, and we look forward to seeing how their future plans mature.”
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Bradford Council said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been rated “Good” by the CQC.
“This is a true accolade to all the staff working in Adult Social Care and also highlights the strength of local partnership working.
“This recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of staff who deliver person-centred care every day. Staff are working collaboratively with our partners which means we are able to work to a clear shared vision in how we serve the people of Bradford.”
Iain Macbeath, Strategic Director of Adult Social Care and Health said: “I want to thank staff, partners and everyone especially those who draw on care and support, who has been involved in working towards the rating we have received for Bradford. We know that there are still some areas where we need to make some changes and we will be focussing on the recommendations as highlighted by the CQC.”
