The number of safeguarding concerns relating to care in Suffolk has increased over the last year, according to latest figures.
Latest NHS data has shown there were 1,430 concerns about care raised with Suffolk County Council in 2022-23, compared to 1,200 during the previous year, while in 2020-21 there were 1,255 concerns raised.
Reports of physical abuse increased by 80 - from 515 in 2021-22 to 595 in 2022-23 - while reports of financial or material abuse rose from 145 in 2021-22 to 175 in 2022-23.
READ MORE: Suffolk adult social care receives 'Good' CQC rating
There were also rises in concerns about care at home - from 530 in 2021-22 to 640 in 2022-23 - and care in the community, from 180 to 220.
On the positive side, there were decreases in reports of sexual, psychological and domestic abuse.
Beccy Hopfensperger, the council's cabinet member for adult care, said although the increase was 'concerning,' it was in line with national trends since the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in national issues including online abuse and scams.
READ MORE: NHS: Cries for help from Suffolk's elderly went unanswered
"In Suffolk, our Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub and Safeguarding Partnership continue to provide excellent support to people, as confirmed by care regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in their recent inspection of our services.
READ MORE: Suffolk news
"In their report, the CQC noted that 'Section 42 safeguarding enquiries in Suffolk are carried out sensitively and without delay, keeping the wishes and best interests of the person concerned at the centre of that process'.
"The CQC also confirmed that we have a clear understanding of the key safeguarding risks and issues and that lessons are learned when people have experienced serious abuse or neglect, with action taken to remove future risks and drive best practice.”
“I am in no doubt that in Suffolk, people’s safety and the safeguarding of elderly and vulnerable people, will continue to be a key priority for everyone in this authority.
"I urge anyone with concerns about the safety of an individual to report them to SCC without delay.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here