The Care Inspectorate has today published its annual report, showing the performance of services across integrated health and social care, early learning and childcare, social work and criminal justice social work.
The organisation, which inspects and supports improvement in nearly 14,000 care services across Scotland, reports that overall the quality of care services remains high.
The number of care services graded as good, very good or excellent for the quality of care and support they provide remains high, at more than 92%. There are excellent examples of care provided across all sectors, with particular strengths in services for children and young people.
The report also shows that the number of people who contacted the Care Inspectorate with a concern increased by 20% in the past year to 4,505, compared to 3,788 the year before. However, the number of complaints upheld was 1,147, an increase of 1.5% compared to 1,129 the previous year. The increase followed a major public awareness campaign about how people can contact the Care Inspectorate. It does not suggest that quality has decreased, but that public awareness of the complaints process has increased.
The Care Inspectorate inspects and regulates almost 14,000 care services across Scotland including care homes, nurseries, childminders and housing support services. It also regulates adoption and fostering services, secure care, school accommodation, nurse agencies, and offender accommodation.
The organisation supports care services to improve where necessary and can take legal enforcement action if necessary, although this is rare.
Karen Reid, Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate added: “This report shows the high levels of quality in care across Scotland, but there is no room for complacency. Our inspectors have seen examples of compassionate, nurturing excellent care which really supports people to enjoy the best quality of life.
“Over the last four years, we have seen the quality of care in Scotland improve, although there are a small number of services which are not operating at the level we demand. We will work with them to improve quickly, or take enforcement action if they don’t. We have zero tolerance of poor quality care.
“Most of our inspections are carried out unannounced, with our findings published online for all to see. We also encourage people to contact us with information or concerns if they are worried something isn’t right. People can contact us 0345 600 9527 or online through www.careinspectorate.com.
“As well inspecting all care services, we also carry out joint inspections of services for children and adults in partnership with other scrutiny bodies. They help make sure that all the local partners are working well together to improve services for local people.”
Paul Edie, chair of the Care Inspectorate said: "Every person is entitled to receive high quality, safe and compassionate care that meets their needs and promotes their rights. The organisation is committed to supporting a human rights and well-being approach across the entire care sector to ensure that dignity and respect are always are the forefront throughout the planning, delivery, inspection and improvement of care. Our staff, our experience and our scrutiny and improvement role all combine to make ours a powerful organisation that can and does protect people who use care services and also their carers.”
- At 31 March 2014, there were 13,982 registered care services operating in Scotland.
- The majority of these services perform well. 92% of services inspected were graded good, very good or excellent for the quality of care and support provided.
- A total of 4,505 concerns were raised with Care Inspectorate in 2014/15, compared to 3,788 the year before.
- In 2014/15 1,147 complaints were upheld, compared to 1,129 the previous year.
The full report is available here.