The Care Quality Commission (CQC) hailed the council’s efforts to battle inequalities and improve hospital discharges.
Today (Thursday 24th July) the CQC have revealed they rated Blackburn with Darwen Council’s adult social care services as ‘good’ following their latest inspection.
The independent regulator examined nine areas to assess how well the local authority is meeting their responsibilities. Each area was scored between one to four, with one showing significant shortfalls and four showing an exceptional standard.
Across the nine areas, six were awarded a three and three were given a two. The local authority was praised for its management skills, partnerships and ability to support people live healthier lives.
James Bullion, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care said ‘staff were supported by leaders who were visible and were working well with partner organisations to provide person-centred support to residents across Blackburn with Darwen.
‘The authority demonstrated a clear commitment to tackling inequalities, including the high levels of deprivation across Blackburn with Darwen, which consisted of 41.2% of households being classed as deprived. Senior leaders were committed to overcoming the challenges these people faced to help them build happier, healthier and safer lives.’
‘We found the authority were improving hospital discharges for people to help promote their independence. For example, reablement and intermediate care services were supporting people to remain at home after they were discharged from hospital,’ James continued. ‘One of the intermediate care facilities which people spoke positively about was Albion Mill, which helps people with therapy needs. This includes practicing using the stairs and other practical activities to help them stay safe when they return home.’
Among the positives, the CQC discovered the council needs to improve their relationship with unpaid carers. The inspection revealed a lot of people in their area weren’t sure what help was available if they couldn’t look after their loved ones.
The CQC have warned people could be left without support entirely if plans aren’t implemented soon.
‘We received mixed feedback from unpaid carers,’ James added. ‘One person told us that the authority was supportive and helped them manage their caring role. However, others felt the support they’d received hadn’t had a positive impact on their lives, and it was actually impacting on their own health and wellbeing.’
The full report that includes all of the CQC’s findings can be accessed here.
Image via Shutterstock
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