18 August 2016
During a routine inspection
We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.
We found the following areas of good practice:
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The service had enough staff to care for clients. Staff were highly motivated and person centred in their approach. Staff had all completed a comprehensive mandatory training programme and there were opportunities for staff development across the service.
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Care plans were holistic, recovery-orientated and included clients’ views. Clients could access a comprehensive therapy programme as part of the treatment. Clients’ physical healthcare was monitored throughout their stay. Staff supported clients to plan for discharge.
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The use of shared care records was innovative as clients were able to access, input and read their records at any time using an electronic recording system. They were provided with their own password to enable them to access their care records from the service both during and after treatment. They were able to document their own thoughts and views directly into on their own care records. Care records were highly inclusive of clients’ views.
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There were overall good medicines management practices in place. There were good operational procedures and medicines were prescribed and administered as appropriate. Medical cover was in place at all times
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Clients were treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Clients told us that they felt listened to and staff knew their individual needs well. The diverse needs of clients were accommodated across all aspects of the service. Clients had the opportunity to give feedback about their care and treatment. Carers were involved where appropriate and spoke highly of the service.
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There were excellent governance and management structures which enabled the service to be run to a very high standard.
However, we also found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:
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Staff did not routinely monitor the temperature of the clinic room. This meant that staff could not be certain that medications stored at room temperature were safe to use.
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Risk assessments were not always completed as per the treatment pathway.
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There was a blanket rule around the use of mobile phones.