7 February 2017
During a routine inspection
We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.
We found the following areas of good practice:
Clients gave positive feedback about their one to one care. They told us they felt respected and supported. The service engaged people and considered equality and human rights by catering for and valuing clients’ differences. People were seen quickly and there were no waits for the service.
Staff proactively followed up clients when they missed appointments and supported people who were more reluctant to fully engage in services.
The provider delivered responsive medical and clinical interventions and staff commented positively about the availability of doctors and nurses for advice and support. The service managed medicines safely. Good communication between GPs, pharmacies and the service meant that everyone was aware of changes to peoples prescribed medicines.
Staff and volunteers were appropriately trained, appraised, supervised, and attended regular staff meetings. Managers undertook leadership courses and staff undertook a range of specialist training.
All staff we spoke with was passionate about their work.
The service worked in collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders were positive about the work of Addiction Liskeard and described good communication links with the service.
However, we also found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:
Some staff such as nursing and criminal justice staff felt that they had manageable workloads. However, some staff, particularly recovery coordinators felt under pressure due to their high caseloads. We were concerned that high caseloads were having a direct effect on staff morale. Staff turnover was high with more than a quarter of the staff having left in the last year.
Staff did not have protected time for training and vacant posts were covered by existing staff. There were two vacancies at the time of our inspection. Clients shared the workforce concerns about pressure on some staff, such as volunteers and recovery coordinators.
We were concerned about the number of clients that expressed that there were not enough groups at Addaction Liskeard. Staff shared the clients concerns about the lack of group delivered interventions the service offered.
We were also concerned that despite the robust systems in place for learning and listening, some staff and clients did not feel listened to about their concerns about staff workloads and lack of groups.
Staff did not always update care plans and did not always plan for clients unexpectedly leaving treatment early.