Archived: Turning Point Suffolk Recovery Network

We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.

We found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:

• Across locations, the alarm system varied and were not regularly tested. In Ipswich the alarm panel was on the third floor and in Lowestoft, the alarm recognition panel was out of direct sight.

• Staff did not complete and update client paperwork in the files we reviewed. Staff did not regularly update risk assessments when a client’s situation changed.

• Staff sent clients who had not turned up to appointments a letter that stated they would need to represent if they needed additional help. Staff followed this procedure even after a client’s previous appointment reflected they were feeling suicidal.

• Staff did not always complete care plans. Objectives were not holistic, individualistic or specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. Four clients did not know they had a care plan or had received a copy.

• Staff were not following all standard clinical procedures as set by guidelines. For example, emergency medication was not stored in accordance with the manufactures guidelines. Clinical waste was not disposed of appropriately and some bins were not secure. There was evidence of out of date needle exchange stock.

• Managers had not completed clinical staff supervision regularly. Some files had gaps, notes and some signatures were missing. Staff appraisals were not up to date.

However, we found the following areas of good practice:

• Clients gave positive feedback during our visit. They said staff were genuine, caring and supportive. Clients felt positive about being in recovery and motivated to attend sessions. We saw staff offering support, being positive and had an engaging manor toward clients.

• The provider had invested in training clients to become peer support workers or mentors. The volunteer coordinator delivered this training.

• Staff were organised and managed the logging and ordering of prescriptions in a safe way. Prescription administration was completed in a timely manner and staff had advice from the pharmacy if needed.

• The provider held morning ‘flash meetings’ at each location where staff could discuss individual client cases. Staff gave hand overs, discussed incidents and were given updates from managers.

• The provider offered a variety of interventions for clients to access. These included low-level interventions, which might help a person who is new to recovery, seek help or higher levels of treatment.

• The provider accepts self-referrals and referrals from other professionals such as GP’s, courts and social workers and treatment if free of charge.

• The provider employs a range of staff to deliver for care and treatment. For example, recovery workers, peer mentors, wellbeing nurses and a psychiatrist.