A new plan to improve adult social care is set to be approved by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 

An inspection report, published in June, by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the national watchdog for social care, rated Stoke-on-Trent's services as "Good" overall. 

Following the report, the council's cabinet is set to approve a new adult social care improvement plan they hope will build on these achievements while addressing areas for development. 

The city council has explained that the plan will focus on strengthening hospital discharge pathways, improving "front-door" access and expanding support in the community. 

The council also aims to step up initiatives to promote activity and independent living, helping prevent the need for social care. 

This will be achieved through a wider use of the Live Life to the Max campaign, which signposts people to vital support and independent living help. 

The improvement plan would also aim to see service users and professionals in the adult social care sector get better and clearer information, and support to access efficient digital services. 

This includes expanding on the introduction of four digital portals which can be accessed through the city council's Live Life to the Max webpage.

Under the plan, Community Lounges would continue to play a major part in how people are able to access adult care services in person. 

Figures from Stoke-on-Trent City Council show that more than 5,500 visits were made to the city's community lounges in an eight-month period.  

Cllr Lynn Watkins, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning, said: "At the time the CQC rating was announced we said that this was tremendous news for the city but, also, that we would not rest on our laurels and keep striving to improve. 

"So we have continued to listen to, and work with, residents, our own employees and partners in the sector to develop and get better. 

"This new adult social care improvement plan builds on this commitment and shows a real drive to deliver safe, effective, caring and responsive services for the people of Stoke-on-Trent. 

"There is a real push to help people access the support they need in the community – either digitally or in person – so they can lead the most independent and healthy lives possible." 

The CQC report identified several positive aspects of Stoke-on-Trent's care including positive feedback to Care Act assessments, good early intervention and support for carers, good access to information through community lounges, good support on discharge from hospital and a feeling of safety among service users. 

Inspectors also noted a positive energy among staff and councillors to do the best for people and make Stoke-on-Trent a great place to live and work.