Our findings from a joint assurance check of the Community Learning Disability Team in Rhondda Cynon Taf
We carried out this assurance check with Care Inspectorate Wales between 13 and 15 February 2024.
The purpose of the assurance check was to review the local authority’s social services and health board’s performance in exercising their respective Social Services and Health duties and functions in line with legislations.
This is a multi-agency community learning disability team, with staff working across the local authority and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
The health board also commission Swansea Bay University Health Board to deliver some operational services in the county.
Findings
Inspectors from both Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) found that senior managers were aware of the significant ongoing challenges in responding to the increased complexity of need and demand, and financial pressures.
Inspectors saw many examples of local authority and health board practitioners working effectively together. Practitioners described the benefits of the new community learning disability team structure and the re-introduction of the specialist teams within social care. They acknowledged it is early days and are optimistic that this change will have a positive impact for people with a learning disability.
However, inspectors found that information is not always shared effectively due to different information recording systems in the local authority and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
Next steps
Both CIW and HIW expect the local authority and health board to consider the areas identified for improvement and take appropriate action to address and improve these areas. We will monitor progress through our ongoing performance review activity with the local authority.
Where relevant we expect the local authority to share the positive practice identified with other local authorities, to disseminate learning and help drive continuous improvement in statutory services throughout Wales.
HIW will monitor progress against the health-related improvements through an Improvement Plan.
To see all our findings and recommendations read the full report below.