Devon’s care providers rated higher than average

Figures from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) show significant improvement in the quality of care in Devon.

The results compare inspections made this year to care facilities to inspections made in 2015.

Of the 433 inspections by the CQC to care services this year, 82 per cent were rated ‘good’, compared to 63 per cent in 2015. Five per cent of providers are now rated ’outstanding’, compared to two per cent in 2015. The number of providers ‘requiring improvement’ has fallen from 29 per cent in 2015 to 12 per cent this year. And the number of providers rated ‘inadequate’ has also fallen from six per cent in 2015 to just one per cent this year.

Devon’s care market is also doing better than the average for the South West and England, with 87 per cent of services rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ in Devon compared to 82 per cent in the South West and 80 per cent in England.

The county council says the results demonstrate the commitment and dedication of care providers in Devon to deliver high quality care services. They say also that the improvements reflect a determined focus by the council to support Devon’s care sector.

Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care, said: “The state of care in Devon is in a very good position, comparing favourably with other areas.

“We have a very large, rural county with an older demographic, which brings not insignificant challenges to the delivery of high quality care.

“But we’re good at challenges, and these results show that the County is out-performing many parts of the country for its care provision. And that’s to be applauded.

“We and our statutory partners continue to work closely with our independent care sector to support and improve care provision in the county; to help people live as independently as possible for as long as possible, and to ensure that the right support is available to help when people need it.”