• Community
  • Community substance misuse service

Archived: Addaction - Gooch Street

279 Gooch Street, Highgate, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 7JE (0121) 465 4030

Provided and run by:
We are With You

All Inspections

8 October 2013

During a routine inspection

Addaction is a charity which provides screening and vaccinations against blood borne virus to people who misuse substances. The service provides treatment to about 400 people a year at several registered locations. On the day we visited no one was receiving treatment at this location however we spoke to three people who had used the service on the phone after our visit. We also talked to four members of staff, two volunteers and also looked at nine people's records.

People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights. People were involved in their care and understood the procedures and why they were being carried out. A person who used the service told us, 'I saw the nurse and they went through everything with me.'

We saw that the provider had made suitable arrangements to ensure that service users were safeguarded against the risk of abuse.

The provider had robust recruitment procedures in place to ensure that people employed at the service were of good character and had the necessary skills, qualifications and knowledge to meet the needs of the people who used the service. A member of staff told us, 'I couldn't start work until I had all the checks.'

There were good arrangements for making sure that standards were monitored and improved, where necessary. These included audits of services and regular staff meetings. A person who used the service told us, 'I would have no problem raising a complaint.'

22 January 2013

During a routine inspection

Addaction is a charity which provides screening and vaccinations against blood borne virus to people who misuse substances. The service provides treatment to about 400 people a year at several registered locations however on the day we visited no one was receiving treatment at this location. We spoke to three people who had used the service, talked to six members of staff and also looked at three people's records.

There were suitable arrangements in place for obtaining the consent of people who use the service in relation to the care and treatment provided for them.

People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights. People were involved in their care and understood the procedures and why they were being carried out. The treatment provided reflected relevant research and guidance and there were procedures in place to ensure it was done safely. A person who used the service told us, 'I have received a blood test and have now agreed the dates when I want further treatment'.

We saw that the provider had made suitable arrangements to ensure that service users were safeguarded against the risk of abuse.

Staff received the training they needed and were supported in their role. A member of staff told us, 'We have dedicated time to pursue our professional development'.

People were protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment because records were kept up to date and could be easily accessed.

12 April 2011 and 18 September 2012

During a routine inspection

People told us that they were very satisfied with the service provided to them by Addaction Gooch Street and that support was provided to them in an understanding manner. People that use the service told us that they had been involved in making decisions about the service that they receive and that their care workers had respected their decisions.

"I contacted Addaction to make an appointment, it was my choice. I got an appointment quickly'.

"Addaction is absolutely amazing. Really good service and very supportive".

'My project worker explains everything to me, there is no pressure to do anything that I don't want to do regarding my treatment'.

'My project worker helps me look at things in a positive way'.

'I believe that I have come a long way with the help of Addaction'.

"I have recovered quicker this time as I have had the help of Addaction. That is how good they are".

'I feel confident to talk to my project worker. He is really supportive and contacts me in between my appointments to find out how everything is'.

"I see one project worker so he knows me well. I am very pleased with the service".

People told us that Addaction were able to provide them with advice on how to get help regarding all aspects of their lives.

"They refer me onto other places if I have any concerns or needs that cannot be dealt with at Addaction".

People told us that they found the service easily accessible.

"I enjoy going out to the centre as it does me good to get out of the house"

"I find it easy to get to the centre".