Archived: Lifeline Waltham Forest Recovery Service

We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.

We found the following areas of good practice:

• The service provided a range of care and treatment to meet the needs of people using the service. This care and treatment was provided safely and in line with current best practice guidance.

• Care and treatment was provided within a clean and hygienic environment. Clinical areas were checked regularly and were stocked appropriately. Medication management and infection control audits were undertaken regularly.

• Clients’ physical health was monitored appropriately by both medical and nursing staff as necessary to ensure that their needs were met. Identified risks were managed within the service and there was good communication with GPs as appropriate.

• The service was accessible for people both in terms of opening times and the physical environment of the service at the main service base in Walthamstow. The service looked to prioritise meeting the needs of people with regular drop in clinics for people with high needs associated with alcohol misuse. They were able to provide a specialist liaison service at Whipps Cross Hospital and a planned community alcohol detox service as well as a range of other services.

• The service worked to meet the needs of people from the diverse local community and there was a community development worker who linked in with local community groups.

• Clients were very positive in their feedback about the service and we observed care being delivered with sensitivity and respect.

• Staff in the service were very positive about the management and felt able to raise concerns.

• Staff throughout the service had access to a range of data to check their performance and ensure that key targets were monitored, such as the completion of assessments and reviews in a timely manner.

• There was a strongly embedded volunteer and peer mentor scheme which had led to paid employment for some volunteers. This was highly valued by staff and clients.

However, we also found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:

• Some staff records which had been transferred to the new provider were not comprehensive as they did not include all references. However, all DBS checks were in place for current staff as well as volunteers and peer mentors.

• Regular client meetings were not recorded, so it was not clear what action had been taken as a result of these meetings.