Our priorities
The priorities were chosen to align with goals from our Council Plan and Health and Wellbeing Strategy. They focus on areas we believe need improvement or development and include ideas from the ‘Making it Real’ Framework, created by Think Local Act Personal, a group dedicated to improving health and care with input from service users.
Prevent and delay the need for care and support
It is important that we do more to prevent or delay people needing long-term care and support. This means investing in early help, strong communities and information that supports people to stay well, connected and independent. We want to support people before they reach crisis, reduce avoidable hospital admissions and ensure people can continue to live the lives they choose. This approach helps improve quality of life and reduces pressure on formal services.
Make sure homes support independence
We need to increase the availability and quality of housing that supports people to live safely and independently. This includes more accessible homes, better supported housing options and accommodation that offers choice for people with different needs. Many people want to stay in their own homes or live in their communities with the right support in place. We want to work with housing providers and partners to make this possible for more people.
Ensure best value in commissioning and service delivery
It is important that we make the best possible use of the public money we are responsible for. We will review how we commission and deliver services to make sure they are cost-effective, sustainable and delivering the best outcomes. This includes meeting our legal duty to ensure ‘best value’ while also focusing on quality, fairness and impact. We will explore new ways of working and work closely with providers to improve how services are planned, delivered and reviewed.
Work together with other local authorities
We need to build stronger working relationships with other councils across the region and nationally. By sharing good practice, pooling knowledge and exploring joint approaches, we can improve services, reduce duplication and develop solutions to shared challenges. This will help us respond better to common issues such as workforce and market sustainability, and cost pressures in care.
Improve the data used in commissioning decisions
It is important that our decisions are guided by clear, accurate, up-to-date and useful information. We will strengthen the way we collect, analyse, and use data. Better use of data will help us make fairer decisions, target support more effectively and improve how we commission services.
Support people to get from hospital to home safely and effectively
We need to improve the way people are supported when they leave hospital to ensure the best chance of recovery. We will work with NHS and community partners to plan discharge well, support people’s strengths and reduce the chance of readmission.
Use technology to improve care and support
We recognise how important it is that we embrace technology to improve how care is provided and experienced. We will adopt and use more digital tools, assistive technology and improved systems to help staff work more efficiently and help people live more independently. This includes supporting people with technology in their homes, improving access to information and modernising how we manage care records and referrals.
Work with health services to improve care
We need to strengthen how we work with NHS partners to join up care across the system. We recognise how better coordination between health and social care helps people get the support they need more quickly and reduces stress on families and carers. We will work to align our plans, share resources and ensure care feels as seamless as possible for the people who use it.
Also see
Adults Social Care
Adult Social Care Emergency Duty Team
Contact the Emergency Duty Team for assistance.