Archived: CRI Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol Services (Stevenage)

' People's risk assessments lacked detail

' There had been a high turnover in staff

' There was a lack of joint working and co-ordination with mental health professionals

' Controls over medication were inadequate.

During the inspection on 14 August 2014 we found that the provider had listened to our concerns and had taken suitable action to make improvements. We found that adequate arrangements were in place for medication and that the service was making regular contact with mental health professionals. However, the service was finding it difficult to engage with other services, but this was being addressed by the senior management team. We saw that risk assessments had been improved but still required more work, we were provided with additional evidence and assurance that this was being addressed.

People who used the service understood the care and treatment choices available to them and were treated in a dignified manner. One person we spoke with told us, 'They are very tactful, very friendly, treat me with respect and listen to me when I need help.'

People who used the service did not experience care planned in a co-ordinated way when responsibility for their care and treatment was shared with other professionals.

People were not always protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider did not have the appropriate arrangements in place.

Staff received appropriate induction and supervision to support them in the role. However we also found that some new staff had not received training to support people with specific complex needs.

We found there was an effective system in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people who use the service and others.