Archived: Lifeline Redcar and Cleveland

We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.

We found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:

• Staff did not always reflect client risks in a risk assessment or review them at the frequency required by Lifeline Project’s policy. Staff did not complete individualised risk management plans to identify actions required to mitigate client risks.

• Lifeline Redcar and Cleveland had some staffing shortages and a lack of consistent management in recent months. Some staff had not received regular supervision and performance issues had not been consistently managed. Staff morale varied with some reporting high caseloads and levels of stress.

• The environment posed problems for staff in promoting clients privacy and dignity. Rooms were not soundproofed and there

• Staff did not always review assessment information and recovery plans in line with Lifeline Project’s policy.

• Staff did not document void prescriptions on the void prescription log in a timely manner. Staff did not sign and date sharps boxes when they were assembled in line with good practice.

However, we also found the following areas of good practice:

• Staff worked collaboratively as a team and with other organisations to support the care and treatment needs of the client group. All staff we spoke with felt positive about the appointment of the new service manager and felt staff morale was improving.

• Clinical staff undertook detailed assessments of clients’ needs and provided clear rationale for their prescribing regimes. Staff monitored clients’ physical health in line with national guidance. Staff had access to a range of physical health equipment that was clean and calibrated in line with manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Lifeline Redcar and Cleveland provided clients with access to a range of treatments and activities to aid their recovery. Families and carers had access to support and provided positive feedback about the care they received.

• Staff treated clients and their families with kindness and respect. We observed positive interactions between staff and clients in one to one and group sessions. Staff understood the needs of their clients and used this to build positive relationships with them.

• Staff provided access to flexible appointment times and gave clients a choice about where they would like to be seen. Staff actively sought feedback from clients and their families to improve and develop service provision.

• Staff knew when and how to report incidents. Staff provided clients and families with information on how to complain. Staff shared lessons learned from incidents and complaints in team meetings and supervision sessions.

• Lifeline Redcar and Cleveland had governance systems in place and the service produced local and national reports on its clinical effectiveness. Managers conducted regular audits on documentation and treatment offered to clients.