York Drug and Alcohol Service

Updated 14 July 2022

York Drug and Alcohol Service has been registered with CQC since May 2019, there is a registered manager in post, and this was the first inspection of this service.

York Drug and Alcohol Service provides community substance misuse treatment for adults and young people.

Local commissioners fund a joint integrated substance misuse service which is formed of two organisations. Clinical treatment, including the prescribing of substitute medication and detoxification from alcohol and/or drugs is provided by Spectrum Community Health Community Interest Company. A non-for-profit organisation hold the contract for providing care co-ordination and psychosocial interventions. The two organisations work together to deliver a seamless drug and alcohol service to clients and local community.

During this inspection, we only focused on the services provided by Spectrum as this service is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to provide the regulated activities Diagnostic and screening procedures and Treatment for disease, disorder or injury.

Updated 14 July 2022

We rated this location outstanding because:

• The service provided safe care. The premises were safe and clean, the provider was also in the process of upgrading and refurbishing some of the facilities. Staff caseloads were manageable. Staff assessed and managed risk well ensuring they had capacity to prioritise clients who may need to be seen promptly.
• Clients were all extremely positive about the care and treatment they received, all clients commented on how staff listen, do not pass any judgements and help people to achieve their goals. Staff respect confidentiality and work well with other agencies, working collaboratively to enable ongoing access to support after discharge from treatment.
• Staff undertook and engaged in regular clinical audits to evaluate the quality of the care provided.
• Staff developed holistic, recovery-oriented care plans informed by a comprehensive assessment and in collaboration and partnership with clients, families and carers. They provided a range of treatments that were informed by best-practice guidance and suitable to the needs of the clients.
• Staff worked collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams to co-ordinate and deliver treatment that met the needs of clients.
• Managers ensured staff received regular training, supervision and appraisal. Staff felt supported by their managers and staff were empowered to raise concerns.
• There was a strong culture of openness and transparency as well as continuous improvement and innovative practice.
• The service worked exceptionally well in partnership with multiple organisations and professionals to enable clients to access person-centred pathways.
• There were strong lessons learned and reflective practice systems in place.
• The service was well-led, there were strong and effective governance processes in place to ensure the service ran smoothly.

Updated 14 July 2022