Understanding PAMMS: NCC’s Approach to Quality Care in Norfolk

What is PAMMS?

PAMMS is an online assessment tool designed to help the local authority assess the quality of care delivered by providers of adult social care services.

All Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated health and social care services that are commissioned by the local authority will receive an audit using the PAMMS tool. Once their assessment is complete, a summary report and ratings are made publicly available on the PAMMS Provider Portal. These reports are widely used by statutory agencies to help monitor and improve care standards.

Is a PAMMS audit the same as a CQC inspection?

No, but there is a close relationship between the two.

The PAMMS assessment is a supportive tool that is used to help providers prepare for a CQC visit. The assessment report will highlight any high-achieving service areas. Similarly, if any areas are not meeting the same high standards, they are identified and the local authorities quality team will work with you to put support in place to achieve positive results.

Why do is PAMMS used?

The PAMMS auditing tool is used for several important reasons:

• Better outcomes for residents: It enables providers and the local authorities Integrated Quality Service to work together to achieve better outcomes for the people of Norfolk.
• Internal quality checks: It gives care providers the opportunity to sense-check their own quality audits.
• A consistent approach: PAMMS provides a standardised and consistent approach to quality across the Eastern region – it is used by most of the 11 authorities in the East of England.
• Objective auditing: It allows an objective quality audit to be undertaken, helping providers establish what is working really well and what areas may require improvement.
• Access to support: It helps NCC identify where they can provide additional support, signposting or referral to expert teams.
• Improved CQC ratings: Ultimately, using PAMMS can lead to improved CQC ratings for providers.