Drug abuse service in Blackpool '˜took immediate action' after inspectors found '˜breach of a regulation'

A report by the health watchdog Care Quality Commission (CQC) highlighted several areas of “good practice”, including up-to-date risk assessments, an improved electronic record system, and “appropriately implemented” systems and processes to “manage incidents and risks.”

But it said recovery plans and risk management plans were of “poor quality” because they were “vague and lacked specific detail”.

It added: “There was not enough information to clearly identify client needs and manage risks. This was a breach of a regulation.”

Karon Brown, head of integrated services at Delphi Medical, which runs the service, said in a statement: “We are pleased with our most recent CQC report, which has highlighted several excellent areas of good practice such as ‘Assessments and risk assessments had been completed for all clients and were of a good standard, were up to date and contained detailed information needed to deliver safe care and treatment.’

“In regards to the ... breach, staff have been working to resolve this since the initial inspection in June. Risk assessments are reviewed frequently and reflect all the risks.

“However, at the time of the inspection they had not been transferred across to another plan. Recovery planning is discussed at every appointment and this posed no risk to the client’s care or to the community.

“Following the inspection, the service took immediate action and significant steps, creating an action plan to ensure the CQC requirement notice was met and this is now fully complete.

“Horizon is now compliant with all CQC requirements following the inspection.”