Debbie Westhead’s blog
Monthly column for providers and professionals working in adult social care from Debbie Westhead, Interim Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care.
What a treat of an Easter bank holiday we had! I can’t remember such a sunny one for a very long time. I hope you could enjoy some of the good weather, and of course a huge thank you to everyone who was working in adult social care over the long weekend.
The arrival of May means that at CQC we’ll be welcoming Kate Terroni as the new Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care. She’ll be here writing for you next month.
I want to share a few of the things that have been on my mind this month.
Keeping connected
I’ve been thinking a lot this month about how we stay connected to others. There are some great examples of how providers are doing this, for example by using mobile tablets to help people living alone or in a care home to stay in touch with their family between visits.
Technology has created new ways for us to stay connected (I’ve been Skyping family and friends in Australia and America this month), but on a visit to CQC’s Leeds office I was struck by how important the human touch and face-to-face contact is. Reconnecting with colleagues I hadn’t seen for a while over a cup of tea, we were able to pick up from where we had left off and chat about both work and home life. Making time to stop and talk with our colleagues, friends, family, and people we are supporting can make all the difference to our day.
Outstanding care
I’ve also been delighted to see reports published this month for adult social care services who have achieved an outstanding rating across all our five key questions:
I hope all the people involved with these services feel incredibly proud of the wonderful person-centred care they are providing to people. Take a look at the reports if you are looking for inspiration!
Reflections on a career in care
Thank you to the National Association of Care and Support Workers who invited me to share my care worker story on their blog.
Too often we hear that care work is low-skilled when in reality it is highly-skilled, complex and emotionally challenging. It was great to reflect on everything my front line care roles have taught me and how this knowledge helps me in my role today.
This is my final blog as Interim Chief Inspector — it’s been my pleasure to write to you every month. I hope you’ll all join me in wishing Kate Terroni the best of luck as she joins CQC in May. Welcome to the team, Kate!
