Archived: Borough of Poole - Poole Addictions Community Team (PACT)

Updated 23 February 2017

Poole addictions community team treated adults who were dependent upon alcohol or drugs. They provided a specialist prescribing service for heroin addiction, support and advice for stimulants and legal highs. The service had a specialist alcohol team who liaised with GP’s and local hospitals to provide community and inpatient detoxification. The service provided a confidential needle exchange for injecting drug use. They provided screening and vaccination for blood borne viruses. The service had a registered manager and was commissioned by the Borough of Poole and Public Health Dorset.

The service was previously inspected in 2014 and was found to meet all outcomes of the areas inspected.

Updated 23 February 2017

We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.

We found the following areas of good practice:

• Staff assessed risks of all clients accessing the service. There was oversight of this process to ensure that risks were up to date and accurately documented.

• Care plans were created with the clients input. Clients wishes were recorded and represented when treatment decision were made. Staff liaised with the clients GP’s to ensure treatment was commenced safely.

• There was an effective needle exchange service and a harm minimisation worker who was proactive in engaging clients who were difficult to engage. Naloxone was available for those at risk of opiate overdose.

• There was a strong emphasis throughout the team on safeguarding clients from abuse. Management kept oversight of safeguarding alerts made within the team. Safeguarding information was documented well and shared within the team effectively.

• Staff used recognised best practice such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy. Medicines were prescribed in accordance with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

• Staff were responsive to different needs of the clients. Clinics took place in pharmacies and outside of normal working hours in order to provide those unable to access the service within normal hours support.

• There was excellent multidisciplinary working within the team and with external bodies. Staff were proactive in working with external teams when clients posed an increase risk in the community.

• There was a strong sense of team work and morale amongst the staff was high. Staff felt supported and felt able to support each other. Staff received regular supervision, appraisal and training relevant to their role.

• There was excellent implementation of the Mental Capacity Act.

• Staff treated clients with respect. Clients were consistently positive about the service.

• Complaints and incidents were reported and investigated effectively. Changes were made as a result of investigations.

• The service had systems in place to ensure staff were well supported through supervision, training and appraisal.

Updated 23 February 2017

Inspected but not rated