Concerns about care services increase

MORE people raised concerns about care services in Scotland last year.

The number of people who contacted the Care Inspectorate increased to 3,788 in the past year compared to 3,237 the year before.

However more than 92% of services were rated good, very good or excellent according to figures were revealed in the Care Inspectorate's annual report.

The government body inspects and regulates more than 14,000 care services across Scotland including care homes, nurseries, childminders and housing support services.

It also regulates adoption and fostering services, secure care, school accommodation, nurse agencies, and offender accommodation.

In the past year, the Care Inspectorate focused its inspection work on services which presented the most risk, and also increased the intensity of inspections.

That saw it inspect 7,825 care services, with the majority of those inspections unannounced.

Annette Bruton, Chief Executive, Care Inspectorate added: "Almost everyone will use a care service at some point in their life and the public have a right to know how these services are performing.

"Whilst the majority of care services are good, we must continue to ensure that we help improve those that are below standards, both across children's and older people's services.

"I am determined to strike the right balance between regulation, inspection, assurance and improvement."

In the past year, the Care Inspectorate has developed a new approach to planning its inspections.