South Ayrshire performing well despite significant pressures
Today the Care Inspectorate and Healthcare Improvement Scotland published the findings of their recent joint inspection of adult services provided in South Ayrshire. The inspection which took place between September 2022 and January 2023 reviewed services provided by the South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) as well as services commissioned by the HSCP and third sector services in the area.
The inspection looked to demonstrate how effectively the partnership is working together, strategically and operationally, to deliver seamless services that achieve good health and wellbeing outcomes for adults. The inspection focuses on adults aged between 18 and 64 years old who have physical disabilities and complex needs.
South Ayrshire received positive outcomes, receiving a solid "Good" grading across all five key areas of the inspection.
Councillor Lee Lyons, cabinet holder for Health and Social Care said, "I am delighted by this report which commits on record the good work that happens daily across South Ayrshire's social care services even during these most challenging of times."
"It was particularly pleasing to note that we received specific praise for our strategic planning and early intervention work and I note with great satisfaction that the experience of our service users is positive. Most people in South Ayrshire had a positive experience of health and social care."
Findings from the inspection showed that South Ayrshire is performing well on key outcomes. On many indicators performing better than the national average despite the challenges being faced including impacts of COVID-19 and national issues relating to recruitment into social care. At the heart of adult services in South Ayrshire there is clearly a determined focus and commitment to continuous improvement.
Billy McClean, Head of Community Health and Care Services said, "We are really encouraged to receive the feedback from our recent inspection. It was great that the Care Inspectorate was able to see the hard work of our staff and partners within adult social care."
"We have faced an extremely challenging few years with pressures on the system at an all time high. I cannot stress enough how proud I am of the workforce we have in place here in South Ayrshire. The dedication our staff have to providing the best quality of care to our communities is humbling."
As part of the inspection process five recommendations were made for improvements, the HSCP have developed an action plan for the coming year to ensure all elements of these recommendations are addressed. No risks were identified as part of this inspection.
Tim Eltringham, Director of Health and Social Care added, "The recent inspection report states that the Care Inspectorate has confidence in the approach the leadership team were taking to manage a complex and evolving landscape across health and care services. This report demonstrates the value of integrated service delivery for the people of South Ayrshire. Our team are in regular contact with all stakeholders to ensure the organisation has a strong vision, a clear purpose and meaningful values."
"We are pleased with the endorsement of the approach we are taking despite the pressures but will strive to continuously improve to ensure our communities are empowered to start well, live well and age well."
Linda Semple, Chair of the Integration Joint Board concluded, "It is encouraging to see that, in spite of the significant challenges we have and are facing, this independent inspection report was supportive of our leadership, engagement, and approaches. This report recognises the hard work of our teams and will be built on to ensure that we continue to provide care that truly meets the needs and aspirations of the people we serve'
The Inspection report can be accessed on the Care Inspectorate website at:
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