The Care Quality Commission

Archived: CRI Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol Services (Hertford)

2A Priory Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1RN

Provided and run by:
Change, Grow, Live

All Inspections

During a check to make sure that the improvements required had been made

The provider implemented two ways of responding to the identified lack of first aid trained staff. In the short term, cover was provided by staff from a nearby branch. In the long term, the provider arranged first aid training for staff that was planned, booked and completed by 15 December 2012.

In order to remain compliant and ensure people's safety, the provider told us: "The Health and Safety Officer for Hertfordshire will be keeping a log of all first aid trainers in the County and ensure that they are replaced as soon as an existing one is planning to leave. In order to ensure that there is at least one first aider on site, an admin staff member will be trained at all times. Admin staff always remain on site."

By completing these actions, the provider ensured that first aid trained staff were available and protected people who use the service and the staff.

16 October 2012

During a routine inspection

We spoke with two people who used the service and to three staff members, two of them volunteers, when we visited the service on 16 October 2012. People who used the service told us that they were happy with the service they received. Both people praised staff for their understanding, support and help. One person was completely happy and stated, 'They are really helpful, I wish I had known about the service long before'. This person had a designated key worker who worked with them and stated that the service was, 'Excellent'. Another person said that a change of key workers which they experienced caused them some problems, as they needed to: 'Explain all my case over and over each time. The care plans do help, but staff cannot get to know people just from care plans.'

The manager said that First Aid training was not up to date and could not produce records that would show when the training was organised. Although staff attended a lot of specialised training related to treatment, the lack of a designated first aider on shift put people at risk.