'COUNCIL AND CARE TRUST MUST RAISE BAR ON ADULT CARE' SAYS MP

6.33.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th May 2009

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt has written to Sally Burton, Director of Adult Social Services and Chief Executive of Solihull Care Trust to express her concern following the publication of a Care Quality Commission report that described the provision of adult care services in the borough as "adequate" with "uncertain" capacity to improve.

The report, published last week, highlights a number of gaps and variable standards in the quality of service offered to older people in the borough.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"Solihull Council and Care Trust have recieved bare pass marks on their performance in provision of care services to vulnerable older people.

"In safeguarding adults, delivering personalised care and preventative services, performance was adequate, rather than good or excellent. There was also a lack of certainty about the Care Trust's capacity to improve services, although it was acknowledged that the Care Trust has strengthened its performance in some areas.

"Solihull Council and Care Trust need to raise the bar for the care of older adult care in the borough. Gaps in the service provision for advocacy, early intervention for older people with mental health needs and deficiencies in the quality of home and community based services all need addressing.

"There was a mixed response from older people and carers asked to comment on domiciliary care services, and computer systems did not effectively record, share and retrieve relevant data in a timely manner.

"I will be seeking reassurances that we can raise the bar for looking after vulnerable older people; and look forward to early signs of improved performance.