5 December 2016 to 8 December 2016
During a routine inspection
We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.
We found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:
The provider did not have sufficient oversight and accountability for all systems and processes in relation to mandatory training, infection control procedures, key chain management, emergency medication and the management of clinical waste.
Facilities for the storage of clinical waste were not in line with the organisations policy and clinical waste was not always stored separately from unused stock. Some clinic rooms did not all have frosted glass panels which meant clients’ dignity and privacy was not always maintained during treatment in clinic rooms.
The provider employed people in a range of clinical roles including doctors, non-medical prescribers, prescription facilitators, clinical administrators and five recovery coordinators. Staff compliance with mandatory training was below 75%.
The provider did not have a system or process established, to assess and monitor staff compliance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. There was no oversight or assurance that the Mental Capacity Act 2005 was being applied across the organisation.
However, we found the following areas of good practice:
The provider regularly reviewed the demand for the service and used a supply versus demand calculation to ensure there were adequate clinic sessions available for clients to access. This meant nearly all clients had commenced treatment within three weeks of accessing the service and clients who had been released from prison were able to see a clinician on the same day. Clinicians also assessed client’s physical health and clients prescribed above 100mg of methadone were given an electrocardiograph to monitor for any heart abnormalities.