2015 has kicked off with an Outstanding start as England's first three adult social care services celebrate achieving the highest possible rating in providing safe, high-quality and compassionate care.
Published in reports today (Wednesday, 7 January), Prince of Wales House (Ipswich) along with two home care companies – Home Instead Senior Care (West Lancashire and Chorley) and Robert Owen Communities – Domiciliary Care East Devon (based in Exeter) – provide services we have judged to be Outstanding.
Today's top ratings follow on from the launch of our new style inspections and ratings system in October 2014 to be clear whether residents are receiving services that are safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led.
Since then, over 350 adult social care services nationally have so far been awarded a rating. Around 70% of these are rated as Good.
Our Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe, said: "I am tremendously pleased to be able to congratulate our very first Outstanding adult social care services in England.
"Each one has demonstrated that excellent care is being provided by dedicated and committed staff who are passionate about making a difference for the people they support.
"The launch of our new approach to inspecting and rating services last October set out clear and important criteria on how providers can demonstrate they are delivering good or better care and effectively tackling any problems.
"Through performance ratings, we will continue to celebrate the very best services and shine a spotlight on those providers that fail to do the right thing to help people when it comes to choosing care.
"Everyone using adult social care services deserves to experience really great care. I am determined that we use regulation to drive forward rapid improvement and help make the 'Mum Test' real."
Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said: "I am delighted these three care services have been awarded the first ever Outstanding ratings following an inspection – this is testament to the hard work and determination of staff in ensuring a safe and caring environment, where people are treated with dignity and respect.
"We're committed to making sure people get the good care they deserve – these are great examples of how excellent care can be achieved by all care services."
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