Chelmsford alcohol and drug addiction service rated “inadequate” as it’s put into special measures
It’s following a recent inspection from the CQC that raised concerns about leadership and the safety of patients.
Chelmsford alcohol and drug addiction service is now under special measures after being rated “inadequate” by the Care and Quality Commission (CQC).
It’s after a recent inspection from the CQC, where concerns were raised over leadership, gaps in patient records, and whether they had been following of Covid-19 guidelines.
Stewart Dunn, Head of Inspections, said:
“Behind these issues was a lack of oversight from the service’s leaders."
CQC inspected PCP Chelmsford, run by PCP (Luton) Limited, in March and April.
The service was previously rated good. In addition to now being rated inadequate and placed in special measures, they must now request written permission from the CQC before admitting patients for medical detoxification.
Stuart Dunn, CQC Head of Inspections for Mental Health and Community Services, said:
"We were not assured PCP Chelmsford was taking all reasonable steps to protect people from avoidable harm.
“They did not have a good grasp of the issues it faced or demonstrate that they had the knowledge and capability to lead effectively.”
“Medicines were not always prescribed according to guidelines and basic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing facemasks and sanitising hands, were not implemented.
“We also found patient records and risk assessments were not comprehensive, making it hard to track patient progress or escalate problems, and gaps in staff training."
Concerns over poor leadership
Inspectors found PCP Chelmsford’s leaders were detached and failed to capture or embed learning following incidents. They did not have a good understanding of the issues their service faced, which impaired the quality and safety of care its patients received.
People’s safety was risked because medicines were not always prescribed within guidelines. This issue was worsened because patient records were not completed with enough detail.
Infection prevention and control was poor as staff did not always use face masks and hand sanitiser appropriately, or screen visitors to the premises for COVID-19 symptoms.
However, patients spoke positively about staff and said people’s dignity was being maintained.
Stewart Dunn added:
“All the patients we spoke to said staff treated them with kindness and compassion. They also told us staff involved them in decisions about their care.
“We are monitoring the service closely and will take further action to protect people if we are not assured care is being delivered safely.”
As the service is in special measures, it will be inspected again within six months. If there is insufficient improvement, CQC says it will use its enforcement powers further to protect patients from the risk of harm and hold the service’s leaders to account.
CQC has also prevented the service from admitting patients for medical detoxification without its written permission until further notice.
PCP Chelmsford has been told it must make the following improvements:
• Following all guidelines to protect people from COVID-19.
• Managing medication and delivering medical detoxification safely, in line with national guidance.
• Regularly checking all medical equipment to ensure it is working correctly.
• Reporting and investigating incidents in line with policies.
• Implementing robust governance processes to monitor the service’s effectiveness.
• Responding to and investigating complaints, in line with the duty of candour.
• Ensuring a working system to record and monitor risks.