In February 2023, we commissioned transformation partners Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) to support us to design and deliver some of our most ambitious projects for change, in areas all over the council.
Like councils up and down the country, we are facing an urgent financial challenge and need to make rapid changes to the way we deliver services. There are ways to achieve this that will help us make savings in the short term whilst also making things better for our customers and residents in the future.
This is where PwC’s targeted expertise is key, helping us to address our urgent pressure as well as progressing the aims of The Shropshire Plan as a healthy organisation. There is no room for error and we need to invest in long lasting, sustainable results.
So far, colleagues at PwC have supported us with 7 major projects, including an innovative reablement solution that supports residents to recover more quickly if they have been unwell. This means we can help people to stay healthy and safe at home for longer, reducing dependence on expensive long-term care.
Every year, the reablement project is expected to deliver savings of over £900,000 by increasing the number of people receiving support through the Short-Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START) instead of external providers.
Tanya Miles, executive director for people explains more:-
“Our reablement transformation project is all about enabling people to reach their goals and promote independence.
“PwC have experience of delivering reablement transformation for adult social care and have supported our teams to hit the ground running, making effective changes at pace and we are already seeing great results.
The team have been able to provide support to more people, pilot occupational therapy support and work closely with voluntary services, utilising assistive technology to support people in their own homes.
“Equipment like shower chairs have been prescribed, ordered and delivered on the same day. This has prevented slips, trips and falls, which would result in even greater care needs.
“In most cases, the team’s involvement has reduced the need for long term care in the community. This is better for our residents, who are in control of their own needs, better for us as we become an efficient and financially healthy council for the future and better for the whole health system, reducing pressure on NHS services.
“Now that PwC have shared their knowledge, given us the tools we need and the initial support, we will be able to scale up this approach across adult social care. The potential is huge and we will continue to reap the rewards.”