CQC recognises improvements in Wirral's adult social care services
The latest independent assessment into how adults with care needs are supported in Wirral has rated the service as ‘good’.
The verdict from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has been welcomed by senior figures within Wirral Council and among the range of partners involved in providing services to vulnerable older residents across the borough.
It is the first time Wirral has achieved a 'good' rating under the CQC's new Local Authority Assessment Framework and it provides independent recognition of the commitment, professionalism and hard work shown every day by all the people responsible for delivering support in Wirral.
I am delighted to welcome the Care Quality Commission's assessment of 'Good' for Wirral's Adult Social Care services.
This rating demonstrates that, despite increasing demand and significant challenges facing the care sector nationally, Wirral continues to place people at the heart of its services. It reflects our shared commitment to supporting residents to live independently, safely and with dignity.
This 'Good' rating is more than an assessment result. It is a recognition of the difference being made in people's lives every day and a tribute to the strength of partnership between our residents, carers, communities, and workforce. Together, we have reached an important milestone for Wirral, and together we will continue striving for improvement of our residents’ quality of life.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our residents, unpaid carers, families, and those with lived experience who contributed to the assessment process. Their feedback, insight and challenge are invaluable in helping us shape services that meet the needs of our communities. This is something that the whole borough can be proud of and it provides a strong foundation as we continue our journey of improvement to make a difference.
The CQC report found that the council has developed a stronger, more mature and better integrated adult social care system with visible leadership, effective governance, a clear prevention focus and improved experiences for most residents and carers.
The assessment identifies an organisation that has responded effectively to previous areas of concern, with strengthened pathways, improved access, enhanced quality assurance, stronger partnership working and a positive culture of learning and improvement.
The improvements have been delivered against the background of – in common with other local authorities across the country - increasing demand, growing complexity of need, workforce pressures and significant financial constraints.
Despite the challenges, the focus has remained on improving outcomes for local people and ensuring that care and support remain person-centred, responsive and focused on helping people maintain their independence.
This is a significant achievement and a testament to the dedication, professionalism and commitment of our staff, providers, partners, carers and local communities,” Cllr McManus said.
Achieving a ‘good’ rating from the CQC is an important milestone for the borough. It recognises the sustained effort that has gone into improving Adult Social Care services and the collective contribution of the wider health and care system over recent years.
I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in this achievement, including our workforce, carers, people with lived experience, and partner organisations. This recognition belongs to all those who work tirelessly every day to support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
While we celebrate this success, we remain ambitious for the future. We will continue to build on this strong foundation, working together to improve outcomes, promote independence and ensure that Wirral residents are supported to live well for as long as possible.
The report identified a number of areas requiring continued focus if Wirral is to improve further and move from Good to Outstanding, which include equity and reducing inequalities, transitions to adulthood, direct payments uptake and financial assessments.
The ‘good’ judgement reflects years of hard work, determination and collaboration across the whole health and care system.
While we are proud of what has been achieved, we are not complacent. We will reinvigorate the quality and assurance processes that have served Adult Social Care well in the ‘assured’ improvement journey from January 2025 to date.
We are committed to continuing the effective work we have doing alongside our partners and communities to further improve services, tackle inequalities and ensure that residents receive the high-quality support they deserve now and in the future.
