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Sheffield council 'slammed' over services for disabled

sheffer | 26.10.2004 15:51 | Sheffield

Sheffield Labour council slammed in devastaing report: services for people with learning difficulties 'poor'

This is really disturbing that the council can fail to help the most vulnerable and marginalised . However, in the past, it was the Left who championed such causes/issues and not opposition parties such as the Lib Dems. I feel that the left, (such as it is) in Sheffield is really neglecting its own if it does not monitor, challenge and fight on such issues. i also have to say it is not news to those who have 'invisible'illnesses like M.E and Fibromyalgia or others such as mental health problems. Services here are often non existent or deteriorating fast


from The Star


'A SCATHING report into council services for some of Sheffield's most vulnerable people has slammed a failing service with poor management and an almost total breakdown in communication. The hard-hitting independent report into Sheffield Council's Learning Disabilities Day Service has rapped council bosses for a service which lacks cash, has poor management and low morale. It said there was "an urgent need for change" to deal with the failings.

The service caters for hundreds of people, including those with complex mental and physical needs. But despite their vulnerability the report by independent consultancy Paradigm said: "Management and leadership of day services is poor and there appears to be a breakdown in communication across the service." It goes on to slate social services bosses for a service where the rights of people were "repeatedly ignored" , where there was "no evidence of a modernisation strategy" and "no evidence of a vision or coherent plan for the service." It even points out that many of the venues do not meet the Disability Discrimination Act accessibility criteria.Some services were praised - but they were few and far between. Instead in point after point the report finds failings across the service, some affecting those with severe and complex needs.

 http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=877081














sheffer

Comments

Hide the following 2 comments

comment on report

09.12.2004 19:26

Although I understnd that there are some failings in the provisions
regarding people with learning difficlties the majority of the problem is with social services mis management and not as the report implies on inividual groups affiliated with it.

Two of the organisations listed where in my mind unfairly criticised including the place where I work I feel that if these inspectors want to do a report they should conduct a thorough evaluation and do it properly I feel that Paridigm are as incompetent in their analysis of these provisions as social services are in managing them.

Paridigm are way of the mark this time im afraid.

Jim


SHEFFIELD SOCIAL SERVICES

05.01.2005 22:20

I do not work for Sheffield Council bu do have some involvement with day services in this city. Let me make one thing quite clear - the majority of staff do an excellent job under very difficult circumstancs and endeavour to provide a good quality service to their very vulnerable clients. Regularly these individuals are the first to pick up on matters that need further intervention, from concerns over a client's health, to cases whereby abuse is suspected. Most staff are not paid a fortune for the crucial services that they provide, but do their job under pressure. Some protest and make their concerns known, but little is done to resolve issues. The service.....Social Services in general, is across the board under funded and a service that is disected and contracted out to the cheapest provider. Quality is said to be the golden word at Social Services. I would say that quality comes far down the list. If management were bothered, then they would strive for excellence and quality second to none, so that in their hearts they knew that these vulnerable clients were receiving the best service possible. The service needs more investment and a good management team to direct the services within Social Services. Without this, further deterioration will result and vital services will get even worse. It is high time that serious consideration be given by council management to ensure that centre based staff and community staff are valued and respected a little more. Management are too quick to find fault (and accountability) in the (to them) the lesser ranks. Be it known all staff, either council or private who are involved in the care industry have one of the most difficult roles to under take and day after role their role becomes more and more complex because of all the new regulations that the council is trying (but failing) to meet. It is high tme that people with some gumption were involved in Social Service and council affairs because without it nothing will change and the management will keep on looking for the lame scapegoats.

GLEN
mail e-mail: glenbouk@aol.com
- Homepage: http://n/a


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