Oldham's Adult Social Care rated 'Good' by Care Quality Commission

Oldham Council's Adult Social Care service has been judged 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission, the first full inspection since 2018. The rating means families can continue to trust the town's home-care teams, safeguarding staff and advice services when relatives need help to stay independent.

Inspectors spent two weeks last autumn shadowing carers, reviewing case files and talking with 90 residents. They heard people call the support "outstanding" and noted that staff explained financial and safety questions in plain language, leaving users feeling "listened to and treated with respect".

The report singles out Oldham's joint working: district nurses, GPs and voluntary groups share the same digital records, so a woman discharged from hospital can have a care plan ready before she reaches her front door. The council's safeguarding board was praised for spotting risks early and cutting repeat referrals.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, who oversees the department, said the grade was won "against a backdrop of shrinking budgets and rising demand". She pointed to 4,200 people receiving home support each week, including older residents and adults with learning disabilities, and thanked the 1,100-strong workforce for "choosing to stay and fight for our town".

The CQC did flag that some waiting times for financial assessments edge past national targets. Officers must now submit a progress report in six months, but for now families can book care with confidence, knowing Oldham's service is officially among the best in Greater Manchester.