Adult Social Care services in Milton Keynes continue to improve and were praised by the independent social care regulator, Care Quality Commission (CQC), as performing well to excellent.
The Commission recognised a broad range of good practice and positive developments. These included:
• Enthusiastic and ambitious leadership and good support from Councillors.
• Strong joint working with health through integrated services which means people have a ‘seamless’ service.
• More people receiving intermediate care (short-term care focused on rehabilitation) in Milton Keynes compared to the rest of the country. This means more people can remain living at home or return home after being in hospital.
• Managing the money well so that any pressures did not affect front line services.
• More people have access to ‘telecare’ (assistive technology in their own homes) to help them to safely stay independent at home.
• More people have a personal budget so they can have more choice over their own support.
• More referrals and a faster response to safeguarding concerns which means that there is a greater awareness of the welfare of vulnerable adults and any worries are quickly dealt with.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Potts, Cabinet Member responsible for Adult Social Care, said: “We really pride ourselves on working with our partners in health and with our communities to achieve the best outcomes for people in Milton Keynes who need support from social care services. I am pleased that our existing good and improving services have been recognised by the Care Quality Commission.”
