For the second year running the independent Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) have awarded Islington the 'Three Star - excellent' rating, the highest possible, for the services and support provided to vulnerable older people and disabled adults.
An important consideration of the inspection team was that Islington, unlike most other Councils, continues to provide services and support to people with 'moderate' needs. Elsewhere in London and across the country Councils will only provide help to people who are considered to have 'substantial' or 'critical' needs.
Cllr Ursula Woolley, Islington Council's executive member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:
"At a time when most other councils are cutting services for people with moderate needs, Islington Council knows that they can make a vital difference to quality of life and independence.
"I am very proud our approach has been recognised by the Commission, and proud that they have recognised the excellent service delivered by all our care staff and partners.
"This recognition reflects our commitment to listening to what residents say and acting on it, and to helping people stay independent for as long as possible."
Looking to the future, CSCI consider Islington has excellent prospects of improving still further.
CSCI were particularly impressed with the work being done in Islington to improve the quality of people's lives; to enable older people and disabled adults to make a positive contribution and to ensure vulnerable older people and disabled adults were free from discrimination and harassment.
ENDS
Notes To Editors:
CSCI undertake an annual assessment of the quality of adult social services across all councils. The assessment took place in July 2008 and the outcome was published in November 2008.
There are 4 star judgements - 0 = poor; 1 = adequate, 2 = good and 3 = excellent. 37% of Councils were awarded 3 stars, 50% 2 stars and 13% received a 1 star rating.
At present, CSCI assesses the performance of local authority social services, the healthcare commission assess the quality of all non mental health related health services and the Mental Health Commission inspects Mental Health services. From the 1 April 2009, these agencies will be merged to form a single Care Quality Commission.
Page Last Updated: 12 June 2009