Ceredigion’s social services department is performing well, but pressures remain, particularly when it comes to delayed transfers of care out of hospital, a council committee has heard.

A report on 2018/19’s performance by the director of social services, Carys James, was discussed at Ceredigion County Council’s healthier communities overview and scrutiny committee last week.

It found the wellbeing outcomes for people using the service, including securing rights and entitlements, physical and mental health, relationships and protection from abuse and neglect, were improving in both adult and children’s care.

Adult services were considered “satisfactory” and families and children services “good” with satisfactory prospects of improvement.

“The further development and co-ordination of early intervention and prevention activities means children and families are supported at an earlier stage to avoid escalation into statutory services wherever possible,” the report adds.

Donna Pritchard, corporate lead officer for Porth Ceredigion, reminded the committee that the report was from March 2019 and significant improvements had been made within the service since then.

The report noted: “The budgetary position continues to be highly challenging, and the transformation agenda is progressing.

“Adult service users and carers continue to be supported to maintain their independence, and are protected from abuse.”

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