‘Shared vision’ of care praised after watchdog system review
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THE Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its findings following a system review of Halton – the first of its type in the country.
A CQC spokeswoman said the report is among 20 assessments that will examine how patients move through the health and social care system with a focus on how services work together, and that will look at how hospitals, community health services, general practices, care homes and homecare agencies cooperate to provide ‘seamless care’ for older residents.
The watchdog reported that in Halton there was a ‘strong commitment and a shared vision’ across the local authority and the clinical commissioning group (CCG) to serve the borough’s inhabitants.
It said there was a positive approach to maintaining residents’ health and wellbeing in their own homes, with services designed for older people to keep them socially included, active and able to manage their long term conditions.
The CQC added that there was good support for carers including those supporting those living with dementia.
Work was also under way to provide better experiences to older patients admitted to hospital by reducing avoidable admissions and delayed transfers of care.
Following a joint analysis of need, services had been launched cut hospital admissions including a ‘rapid seven-day re-ablement service’ and a rapid clinical assessment team.
Efforts to speed up how residents’ needs were met by care homes and home care services were also under way, the watchdog said.
Its report said that as a result, the numbers of delayed transfers were reducing and performance had improved.
The CQC said the challenge now for the system was to continue to implement its plans at pace to embed recent changes and to sustain the social care workforce.
The review said continuous improvement of patient flow and the provision of timely services outside hospitals and homes were crucial for the system to build on its improvements and meet the challenges of winter.
Professor Steve Field, CQC chief inspector of primary care services, said: “Our review of Halton’s services – and how they work together – has demonstrated that a joint approach and a shared focus can improve people’s experiences of health and social care.
“We have found some great examples of good leadership, producing shared approaches and local agreements that support people living in Halton get access to the services and support that meet their individual needs.
“We were pleased to find that some new services and initiatives were having a positive impact and that delayed transfers of care were reducing.
“Performance has improved and is now better than the national averages.
“However, there is more that can be done.
“It is important that the flow of patients through the local hospitals continues to improve and that more communitybased services are provided so that people continue to receive high quality services when they need them.
“Since Halton is served by two hospitals in neighbouring boroughs, there is potential for the system to fragment.
“It is vital therefore that Halton council plays a full part in the success of the sustainability and transformation partnership and the emergent accountable care system to ensure future progress.
“Clearly the will to work together is evident: the local authority and the CCG have developed a very healthy relationship, and the local acute trusts are involved in planning for the future.”