A Care Quality Commission (CQC) review has found significant improvements in service for the elderly in Oxfordshire.
The report, published last year, looked at how people move through the health and social care system, with a key focus on how hospitals, community health services, GP practices, care homes and homecare agencies work together.
A review in November 2017 found that there was a strong ambition for partner agencies to work together to provide outstanding services to the public of Oxfordshire.
The review also found that health and social care experts were highly dedicated to supported people utilising services, their families and carers, although communication with the public had not always been effective.
The follow up report, published in February 2018, found partner agencies have worked to change the culture within their organisations and develop better relationships.
Professor Steve Field,
“Since that last visit, our inspectors have found system leaders had improved how they work together to co-operate, plan and deliver health and social care services for older people in Oxfordshire – and while is it not fully developed it is showing signs of improvement.
“We found a stronger strategic approach which allowed for closer working and co-production. Carers’ representatives also felt that engagement had improved and this was demonstrated in the development of the older people’s and Health and Wellbeing Board’s strategies. We found that the element of partnership working had strengthened and people felt listened to by system leaders.
“This shared approach is so important. System leaders now need to ensure this strategic approach is fully embedded throughout Oxfordshire, so that all staff understand how services can and should work together better for the benefit of people in their care.”
CQC inspectors found solid and practical examples where improved relationships had led to better outcomes for people such as work being undertaken to reduce the numbers of people remaining in hospital unnecessarily.