Report slams Isles’ adult support

A joint inspection of adult support and protection measures in the Western Isles has found important areas of weakness.

The report felt these areas could adversely affect experiences and outcomes for adults at risk of harm. Substantial areas for improvement were also identified.

The Care Inspectorate found that multi-agency procedures for adult support and protection did not cover all aspects of adult support and protection or fully detail the statutory duties and responsibilities of each agency.

The report found the delivery of key processes was ineffective. Investigation, risk assessment and risk management require significant improvement to effectively support and protect adults at risk of harm. It also said adults at risk of harm were ineffectively involved and engaged in operational and strategic adult support and protection.

There was a lack of multi-agency reporting and governance by the adult protection committee and chief officers’ group, the inspection found.

Inspectors also noted some key strengths. In January 2022 NHS Western Isles reconfigured its public protection service. This made a positive strategic contribution to adult support and protection.

Also, following the appointment of a new independent convener in November 2021 the adult protection committee established subgroups to support improvement and development.

Jackie Irvine, chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, said: “Overall, there were many key areas for improvement identified across key processes and strategic leadership.

“The Western Isles adult protection partnership will prepare an improvement plan.

“The Care Inspectorate and our scrutiny partners will monitor progress.”