Adult social care team boosted by watchdog praise
BBCA watchdog has praised a city's adult social care provision, saying staff showed a "passion" for offering quality help.
Sunderland City Council's Adult Social Care Services achieved a "good" rating in all nine assessment areas following an inspection in November.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) praised the local authority's support services and focus on helping people live independently.
Councillor Kelly Chequer, deputy leader and cabinet member for health, wellbeing and safer communities, said the rating was a testament to the dedication of staff.
The assessment found people felt supported and listened to, with help provided when transitioning from hospital into the community.
An initiative to prevent falls in the older generation was described as "a huge success" that had helped "significantly" reduce hospital admissions.
An app providing support to unpaid carers was also praised, although some people said there were limited options for respite.
The report added that difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff in the care sector were ongoing, but the local authority was planning around this.
James Bullion, CQC's chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said the assessment identified a "passion for providing good care".
"Overall, Sunderland City Council should be pleased with the many positive findings in our report and are already building on this with further improvement plans."