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29 Nov 07Top Marks For Poole's Adult Social Services
Poole Adult Social Services has been awarded top marks for delivering social services to people in Poole.
Borough of Poole has received a maximum three-star rating by the Commission for Social Care Inspectorate 
(CSCI) for the second year running.
The CSCI report, published today, rates the performance of local authority adult social services in England.
Borough of Poole is one of only three local authorities in the South West to receive the highest three-star rating and is judged by CSCI as ‘good in terms of delivering outcomes with excellent capacity for improvement’.
The ratings, which range from zero to three stars, are designed to inform local people about how well their council is doing in providing social care for adults.
Cllr Elaine Atkinson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Well-being and Housing, Borough of Poole, said: “We are delighted to have retained our three-star rating. The council is very supportive of adult social care and strives to promote the health and well-being of everyone in Poole. My thanks go to everyone in Adult Social Services for their hard work and dedication to improving people’s quality of life.”
The CSCI report recognises improvements made by Poole Adult Social Services in a number of areas with assessments starting promptly, being completed on time and services organised speedily.
Services for older people with mental health needs are also judged to have improved, with more specialised home care available for people with dementia, specifically tailored to meet their individual needs. More carers are receiving services and are able to take short breaks from caring and a good number of people with disabilities are helped into and supported in employment each year.
An example of the work being done to help Poole residents comes from Ian Rabjohns, of Parkstone, who contacted social services as he had difficulty transferring from his chair and bed due to back and heart problems. Equipment provided has made this much easier for him and safer for his family who were helping him.
Mr Rabjohns said: “Social services can transform your life like they have mine. The equipment I’ve received from the Occupational Therapy Service has really changed my life and helped my family. Don’t be afraid to approach them and see what they can do for you.”
Jan Thurgood, Strategic Director, Borough of Poole, said: “Providing good quality adult social care services continues to be one of our priorities. This result is testament to the commitment and professionalism of staff as well as the dedication of partners from the voluntary and statutory sector and the contribution of service users and carers in helping to continually develop services to meet the changing make-up and diversity of our community, particularly our ageing population.
"We are committed to continuously improve our services and our plans for the current year include providing information and advice to people at the right time and developing preventative services for adults and older people so they can continue to live in their own homes and avoid inappropriate hospital admissions.”
People who may need help or advice from Adult Social Services in Poole can contact the Help Desk on 01202 633902 or email sshelpdesk@poole.gov.uk.
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