We check home visits

Published: 18 June, 2010

• A RECENT anonymous letter questioned the quality of care given by agency staff to elderly and vulnerable residents at home (Checking on carers, June 4) .

I was concerned to read this, as service quality should be at the heart of the care agency contracts the council negotiates. Agencies must demonstrate they have systems in place to monitor the quality of the consistency of home carers’ visits.  

Agencies employed by Islington Council must use an electronic call monitoring system that records when workers arrive and leave residents’ homes. I would be concerned if it is not standard practice. Spot checks are made to ensure staff are where they should be. The council insists on monthly, quarterly and annual performance information against agreed targets. And service users, care organisations and others complete satisfaction surveys.

Critical feedback and strict monitoring are the keys to ensuring the highest standards of service. If anyone has any specific concerns, could they get in touch with me direct? I will, of course, treat any such contact as confidential.

CLLR JANET BURGESS
Labour executive member for health and adult social care