Warning given to clinics over care

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has issued the formal warning to The Haynes Clinic, which has centres in Chicksands, Sandy and Cople.

The privately-run centres treat all forms of addiction, but particularly where alcohol, drugs and prescription medication are involved.

The company says it is now working hard to address the CQC’s concerns.

The warning follows unannounced visits by inspectors to the three centres in October.

Inspectors said discrepancies with records meant it was impossible to tell whether medication was being given as prescribed. They also found that medication records did not match what was actually being stocked at the centres.

There were also concerns about the firm’s recruitment procedures.

A CQC statement said: “The service was failing to ensure it had effective recruitment procedures in place to make sure people employed were of good character, had the qualifications, skills and experience necessary and that they were physically and mentally fit for that work.

“Prior to some staff starting work at the service the provider had also failed to obtain details relating to proof of identity, full employment histories, evidence of relevant qualifications, why previous employment had ended, information about physical or mental health conditions relevant to their employment and CRB disclosures.”

Andrea Gordon, deputy director of operations (regions) at the CQC said: “This warning sends a clear message that The Haynes Clinic needs to address these issues at all three of its services or face further consequences.”

Sue Brooker, registered manager at The Haynes Clinic said: “Since the CQC’s visit we have taken steps to ensure we are fully compliant with their requirements for the management of medicines.

“We now have a complete audit trail of all medication, including that brought in to the clinic by service users which was prescribed before their arrival.

She added: “Some of our staff started working at the Clinic prior to the service coming under the CQC’s regulation. We have now addressed the CQC’s concerns in this area.”