Tough action to follow report

Wirral Council is taking strong action to address issues raised in a highly critical report from the Care Quality Commission on Adult Safeguarding.

Council Leader Jeff Green said: “I am appalled at the findings of this report and I am deeply disturbed that some of the most vulnerable people in Wirral should find themselves so at risk and exposed.

“Protecting vulnerable people and keeping them safe is one of the most basic functions Wirral residents expect from its Council and whilst this inspection was conducted prior to the current administration being formed and the new Cabinet Member taking up his position; it now falls upon us, as a new administration, to put right what the CQC have exposed as so clearly wrong in the Department of Adult Social Services.

“We will do whatever it takes to make sure the leadership, management and performance of this Department is improved and that a new culture of openness, challenge and tackling of poor performance is put in place. Following very full and frank discussions, I have given the Director of Adult Social Services full Cabinet support, and a timetable, to take whatever action is necessary to turn this unacceptable and woeful performance around.

“I, along with the Cabinet Member for Social Care & Inclusion, have made our expectations of the leadership and management of this Department clear and explained that we, and the residents of Wirral, will hold him and his team accountable for the delivery of the improvements that will ensure vulnerable people are properly protected.”

Cllr Bob Moon, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Inclusion, added: “I would like to thank the CQC for bringing the seriousness of the situation to our attention. This is not a standard of service that is considered in any way acceptable and work has already begun to urgently implement the recommendations of the report.”

Cabinet has implemented a robust action plan to address key areas including strict timescales and evaluation methods to ensure that the actions taken are working.    

John Webb, Director of Adult Social Services said: "The action plan will address the many weaknesses identified in the CQC report. The report is a clear signal that we need to give greater priority to issues of safeguarding and improve our performance. I welcome the support of the Leader and Cabinet Member in bringing about the changes that we need to make to address the challenges set out in the report.  I fully accept the criticism of our service as set out in the CQC report, which is tough but fair."

To see the full report click here.