08 & 15 January 2019
During a routine inspection
We rated Charterhouse Clinic as Requires Improvement because:
- The service did not robustly manage the risks associated with detoxification from drugs and alcohol. Staff did not regularly review client’s physical health observations during detoxification in line with national guidance. The provider did not use dependency scales on admission or consistently use withdrawal scales such as the opioid withdrawal scale to monitor the severity of the client’s withdrawal symptoms in line with national guidance.
- Governance systems were not robust. The service did not have a system to monitor areas for improvement identified through self-auditing and leaders did not maintain a robust risk register.
- Staff did not robustly mitigate the risks associated with mix gender accommodation by conducting risk assessments.
- The service did not hold regular staff team meetings. The last team meeting was held in August 2018.
- The training matrix was not up to date and did not accurately reflect the dates staff had completed their annual training.
However:
- Staff spoken with, reported good team morale and said they were proud to work for the provider.
- Staff provided a range of psychological therapies recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. These included cognitive behavioural therapy and group therapy. Some of the topics covered in group therapy were mindfulness, meditation, reflection and relapse prevention.
- The provider had a whistle blowing policy in place. Staff were aware of the policy and told us they were confident in raising a whistle blowing.
- We observed staff interacting with clients in a kind and respectful manner throughout the inspection.
- Clients told us they felt safe whilst in treatment and that staff were kind and caring. All clients had a named key worker who met with their client weekly.
- We saw evidence that clients were involved in developing and setting their own care plan and goals.