Adult social care services in England praised by CQC chief inspector

Three adult social care providers in England have received high praise and recognition from CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care after achieving the highest ratings possible for providing quality and secure adult social care.

In a report published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), two home care providers, Home Instead Senior Care for West Lancashire and Chorley and Domiciliary Care East Devon in Exeter as well as the care home provider, Prince of Wales House in Ipswich, were recognised for offering ‘Outstanding’ services.

Andrea Sutcliffe, chief inspector of adult social care for the CQC said: “I am tremendously pleased to be able to congratulate our very first Outstanding adult social care services in England.

“Each one has demonstrated that excellent care is being provided by dedicated and committed staff who are passionate about making a difference for the people they support.”

The ratings awarded to the service providers are in line with the new inspection system introduced by the CQC in October 2014. The rating system has been devised to acknowledge the level and quality of care provided for residents whilst ensuring that standards are met and maintained.

Ms Sutcliffe said: “The launch of our new approach to inspecting and rating services last October set out clear and important criteria on how providers can demonstrate they are delivering good or better care and effectively tackling any problems.

“Through performance ratings, we will continue to celebrate the very best services and shine a spotlight on those providers that fail to do the right thing to help people when it comes to choosing care.”

As a result of the introduction of the new inspection system, more than 350 services have received a CQC rating since October 2014 and of those, almost 70 per cent are rated as ‘Good.’

Minister for Care and Support, Norman Lamb said: “I am delighted these three care services have been awarded the first ever Outstanding ratings following an inspection - this is testament to the hard work and determination of staff in ensuring a safe and caring environment, where people are treated with dignity and respect.

"We’re committed to making sure people get the good care they deserve – these are great examples of how excellent care can be achieved by all care services.”

Ms Sutcliffe added: “Everyone using adult social care services deserves to experience really great care.”