Latest news with #Kate Usmar

Yahoo

NHS trust hands over adult care services to Gloucestershire Council

MAJOR changes to adult social care services in Gloucestershire have been announced. Beginning next year, Gloucestershire County Council will take direct control of several services currently delivered by Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. The changes will affect mental health social work, occupational therapy, and housing-related support services. Councillor Dr Kate Usmar, cabinet member for adult services and independence at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "I believe these changes will lead to significant improvements to how we deliver adult social care in Gloucestershire. "There is a clear plan and vision for how we will improve these vital services that truly make a difference to people's lives across the county. "While we will always seek to save public money, this is not a cost-cutting move. "While it is motivated by the need for efficiency, it is with the intention of delivering care to more people and to an even higher standard. "I see this as a significant step on our way to building a model of adult social care that we can be truly proud of." The announcement is part of a wider improvement plan for adult social care and follows recommendations from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) earlier this year. The council will work closely with the NHS trust and other partners to ensure a smooth transition, with a focus on maintaining high-quality care and supporting staff. Sandra Betney, deputy chief executive of Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our priority will always be ensuring that our communities receive high quality care and support and we will therefore be working alongside Gloucestershire County Council in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. "We are very proud of our colleagues who work within these services – their skill, dedication and commitment has benefitted many thousands of people across Gloucestershire for many years. "We will do everything we can to now support them as they go through the change process."