1,500 concerns probed in adult social care in Oxfordshire

When an adult in care is judged to be at risk of abuse or neglect, local authorities have a duty to carry out an enquiry.

The figures from NHS England show new enquiries were raised around 1,485 times about adults in social care in Oxfordshire.

Over the same period, 1,805 enquiries were completed.

The enquiries gave an insight into the nature of the complaints and how they were handled.

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The most common safeguarding concern in Oxfordshire was for neglect and acts of omission, meaning care needs were being ignored.

This featured in a total of 830 cases.

Across England there was a small increase of two per cent in the number of new enquiries to an estimated 176,560 in 2023-24, involving 141,080 individuals.

Figures from NHS England show new enquiries were raised around 1,485 times about adults in social care in Oxfordshire. (Image: PA)

Neglect was also the most common reason nationally, cited in 43 per cent of 166,170 concluded enquiries.

This was followed by concerns about physical abuse, which totalled 40,305 cases, and financial or material abuse, which totalled 29,700 cases.

Nationally, figures show a risk was identified and action was taken to deal with it in 77 per cent of cases.

In a small proportion of cases of three per cent, totalling 5,795, the person was deemed to be at risk, but action was not taken.

ADASS, a charity and membership body for social care workers, said safeguarding vulnerable adults is a "careful balancing act".

Chief executive of ADASS Anna Hemmings said: "While some people need protection, others choose and have the right to live in a way which presents risks.

"For this group, the role of social care teams is to make them aware of the risks and ensure they know where support is available to them if and when they choose to take it."

Nationally, figures show that 56,075 concerns were investigated regarding people in care homes, alongside 13,845 in hospitals.

In Oxfordshire these figures were around 465 and 80 respectively.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "Abuse of any kind – especially against vulnerable people in care – is unacceptable.

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"This government is taking action to ensure people are treated with the respect and safety they deserve, including through reviewing and reforming the Care Quality Commission.

"We are determined to grip the crisis in social care.

"We will create a National Care Service, which will be underpinned by national standards and delivered locally to ensure that everyone lives an independent, dignified life."