Adult social care services in Hammersmith and Fulham are showing a positive trajectory
with measurable progress in strengthening performance, improving access, and stabilising services over the past year, a recent committee meeting heard.
The Families, Health and Care Policy and Accountability Committee received an overview of the Adult Social Care Self-Evaluation, which highlighted key strengths and areas of focus for improvement. The report indicated that waiting times for assessments have reduced significantly in several service areas, supported by additional capacity and stronger management oversight, contributing to the overall positive trajectory. The service's reablement offer has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The council has a strong and well-regarded reablement offer, which plays a key role in supporting residents to regain independence following hospital discharge. Outcomes have improved over time, with a growing proportion of residents avoiding long-term care and remaining in the community. This reflects a broader shift towards prevention and early intervention, supported by investment in occupational therapy, assistive technology, and community-based provision.
While demand pressures remain, particularly for complex needs, clear recovery plans are in place. The service is working to embed strengths-based and person-centred practice, with ongoing programmes to enhance care planning. Support for unpaid carers is being strengthened through a new Carers Hub, and efforts are underway to improve the accessibility of information and advice.
The council has made good progress in improving access through the redesign of its Front Door and digital offer. Building on this, there is a continued focus on enhancing the accessibility of information and advice, aligning with a broader preventative approach that supports residents to access help earlier and reduce reliance on statutory services over time.
The council is also focusing on strengthening market sufficiency to meet the needs of residents with more complex needs and reduce reliance on out-of-borough placements. At a system level, the council will continue to strengthen integration with partners, embedding neighbourhood-based approaches and improving coordination across services. Integrated approaches, such as the Integrated Community Access Point and improved discharge pathways, are supporting more coordinated responses to need and reducing duplication across the system.
Councillor Natalia Perez, Chair of the Families, Health and Care PAC, acknowledged the comprehensive list of channels for resident input and highlighted the council's efforts in co-production.
