Hotline opens today to take YOUR four-week care delay complaints (From Wirral Globe)

Hotline opens today to take YOUR four-week care delay complaints

2:40pm Monday 19th March 2012 in News

WIRRAL Council has today announced details of the hotline set up for people to raise concerns about delays in providing community care packages.

The helpline, which was ordered by council leader Jeff Green, will be staffed by a qualified social worker who will collect information and formulate a plan of action with callers.

The move follows an overwhelming response to a Globe online exclusive revealing that the delay in providing social services home care packages for the sick and vulnerable - long denied by the local authority - was in fact policy.

The policy was revealed by whistle-blower Andy Campbell after he sent Freedom of Information requests to the town hall.

Councillor Green has demanded regular updates on how cases are progressing and all complaints will be investigated by a specialist team of officers independent of Wirral Council.

He said: "I will be taking an active role in making sure that everyone who believes that they have been let down by the council will have their cases properly considered and dealt with.

"This helpline will help us to hold people to account and finally get to the bottom of what was a disgraceful period in adult social services.

"I will be working closely with the new director of adult social services to deliver on the promises we have made and can assure everyone of my personal commitment on this matter."

The helpline opened today and will be available until Friday, April 13.

The number to call is 0151 606 2641.

Complaints can also be registered by emailing leader@wirral.gov.uk or in writing to the Customer Resolution and Information Team, Hamilton Building, Conway Street, Birkenhead, CH41 4FD.