Bolton Council’s Home Support Reablement Service inspected by CQC

Care Quality Commission inspectors carried out an inspection of Bolton Council’s Home Support Reablement Service.

Services were marked as good across all areas, just one short of “outstanding”, which the council say vindicates their aims at supporting people who want to continue living at home.

Cabinet member for adult social care, health and wellbeing Cllr Linda Thomas said: “We’re delighted with the positive rating which has been achieved under extremely difficult circumstances.

“It underscores the quality of the staff and service providers that have such a positive impact on the lives of our most vulnerable residents.

Cllr Linda Thomas (Image: Bolton Council)

“We will continue to modernise and improve our services but call on the government to deliver on its promises for social care reform and funding which is needed as a matter of urgency.”

The service, based at Castleton Street in Tonge Moor, works to provide short term intensive care for people with physical illnesses, injuries or disabilities.

At the time the inspection was carried out on November 30 last year it was caring for a total of 106 people across Bolton.

It also aims to support people with personal care and mobility after they leave hospital and to help them avoid needing to go into care homes.

The most recent “good” rating comes after the same across was awarded by inspectors in 2017, despite the pressures posed by the pandemic, funding cuts and an aging population.

This time, the CQC inspectors found risk protection and infection control procedures were well managed while people’s rights and needs were also well protected.

Their inspection involved speaking to the registered manager and head of service, four office staff and six support staff, with 12 people receiving support and 12 of their relatives.

The report said: “People felt safe, and staff knew what to do if they thought people were at risk.

“Staff managed people's medication safely.

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“Staff recruitment processes were robust and staffing levels ensured people's needs were met by familiar staff.

“The provider followed current infection prevention and control guidance.

“The provider had recently implemented innovative discharge planning processes to reduce the risks of people being readmitted to hospital, through joint working groups which included healthcare professionals.

“People's health and nutrition needs were supported, and staff were aware of their responsibility to promote people's rights.”