Praise for Council’s adult social care as independent inspectors rate service as Good 

The CQC said: “At our assessment of Hartlepool Borough Council’s adult social care services, we found an organisation which had strong leaders who were committed to making improvements so that people across Hartlepool are supported to lead healthier lives and reduce the need for formal support where possible.

It added: “Staff at the authority were passionate about serving local people and had a good understanding of how to meet their needs,” citing examples of staff going above and beyond to support people, such as delivering Christmas dinners and caring for a dog while the owner was in hospital.

The CQC also highlighted the close working relationship the Council has with partners in healthcare services and how this was having a positive impact on people’s lives. 

It also noted how initiatives such a handyperson service were making a real difference to older and disabled people, adding that: “The scheme provided support such as carrying out small household repairs, things which may seem small but could sometimes be the difference between someone being able to remain living at home or having to go into formal care.”

Councillor Gary Allen (left) and Jill Harrison, the Council's Executive Director of Adult and Community-Based Services (right), celebrate the 'Good' rating with some of the Council's adult social care staff and service users

The CQC assessors also found that:

• Unpaid carers were positive about their experience of accessing support, including time away from their caring role, and spoke highly of the services supporting them.
• There were effective systems, processes and practices in place to safeguard people from abuse and neglect.
• The Council had developed a community-led support approach with partners which included a support hub and a single point of access so people could access the right care in the right place.

The CQC said: “Hartlepool Borough Council should be pleased with the many positive findings in our report and are already building on this with further improvement plans.” 

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “We are delighted to be rated ‘Good’ following rigorous assessment by the Care Quality Commission.

“The assessors highlighted in their report the positive feedback they received from people about the services they received in Hartlepool - people told them they had good experiences of assessments, from knowledgeable and caring staff.

“They also noted that outcomes for care and support focused on people’s strengths, goals and wellbeing, and that unpaid carers were overwhelmingly positive about their experience of accessing support.

“The fact that we have received this praise from the CQC – and from the people and carers who use our services – is testament to the hard work and commitment of all our staff in adult social care and I would like to send them my sincere thanks for all that they do.”