HEALTHCARE watchdog the Care Quality Commission has commended the way Halton’s agencies care for the elderly.

The first system review looks at how hospitals, community health services, GP practices, care homes and homecare agencies work together to provide seamless care for older people.

The review found that there was a strong commitment and a shared vision between Halton Council and Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to serve the people well.

There was a positive approach to maintaining people’s health and wellbeing in their own homes, with services designed to keep for older socially included, active and able to manage their long term conditions. There was good support for carers including those supporting people living with dementia.

Work was underway to provide older people admitted to hospital with better experiences by reducing avoidable hospital admissions and delayed transfers of care.

New services had recently been introduced to avoid hospital admissions including a rapid seven-day re-ablement service and a rapid clinical assessment team.

Transformation projects for care homes and domiciliary care were also underway.

The numbers of delayed transfers of care have already fallen and performance has improved.

Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of primary care services, said: “Our review of Halton's services - and how they work together - has demonstrated that a joint approach and a shared focus can improve people’s experiences of health and social care.

“We have found some great examples of good leadership, producing shared approaches and local agreements that support people living in Halton get access to the services and support that meet their individual needs.

“We were pleased to find that some new services and initiatives were having a positive impact and that delayed transfers of care were reducing. Performance has improved and is now better than the national averages.”

However, he said, more can be done.

“It is important that the flow of patients through hospitals continues to improve and more community- based services are provided so that people continue to receive high quality services when they need them.

“Since Halton is served by two hospitals in neighbouring boroughs there is potential for the system to fragment.

“It is vital therefore that Halton Council plays a full part in the success of the Sustainability and Transformation Partnership and the emergent Accountable Care System to ensure future progress.

“Clearly the will to work together is evident: the local authority and the CCG have developed a very healthy relationship and the local acute trusts are involved in planning for the future.”