CQC Inspection

On Friday of last week Essex County Council (ECC) shared the outcome of their recent CQC inspection. We received an email from Nick Presmeg with a summary of the report, showing where ECCs strengths were and where the areas for improvement were.

Use the link button to see a copy of the summary.

Within areas of strength, we were intrigued to see person centred assessments with clear and concise pathways listed, where peoples wishes were taken into account including good access to advocacy. This is not what is particularly reflected from feedback we get from you our families.

We are conscious that often when families come to us there are challenges and perhaps, we are not hearing so many of the positive stories. However, it is important we continue to take the issues to ECC to ensure all families receive the same service that CQC has highlighted as a strength.

We will make a point of reading the detailed wording to this area in the full CQC report which can be found below using the link button.

Within areas for improvement, we agree that the following areas need improvement: the timeliness of assessments and reviews, direct payments and carers and these areas frequently come up when we speak to our families.

We did feel there was something missing that we would have liked to see identified as an area for improvement and that was around open and transparent communications where all voices are respected and valued.

As you know coproduction is one of our favourite words at the Essex Carers Network and we have made sure that ECC know we want to work with them to make positive changes that our families will be able to recognise in their dealings with ECC.