A DRUG and alcohol recovery service has been told to improve by health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

New Directions Bradford provides care and treatment for people in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale, Craven and Rotherham.

An inspection took place in November last year and in a subsequent report was rated as ‘requires improvement’ overall, as well as in the safe and effective categories and as ‘good’ in the caring, responsive and well-led categories.

Inspectors said care records did not provide evidence that staff were assessing and managing risk “consistently and appropriately”.

The report said: “We reviewed 18 care records. Four records did not include a risk assessment.

“Within several records we found that not all risks had either an identified risk factor or statement that there was no identified risk which meant it was not possible to evidence whether staff had identified, explored and planned to mitigate all potential risks.”

Inspectors said risk assessments contained limited information and that recovery plans did not meet individual needs, including people’s “physical, psychological and social needs”.

The report said: “Most staff had a limited understanding of the Mental Capacity Act.”

However, New Directions’ staff were said to be caring.

“Feedback from clients and carers was consistently positive about staff attitudes,” said the report.

“Clients had a named recovery coordinator who acted as a point of contact for the service.”

Inspectors also said that families and carers were “appropriately involved” in treatment.

The service was said to be well-led, with a stable management team. Managers and team leaders were said to be visible in the service and approachable.

“Managers had identified and had plans in place to address most areas of concern," said the report.

Bernie Casey, Executive Director at Change Grow Live, which runs New Directions, said: "The recent CQC inspection has been a helpful exercise. Findings within the report were already identified in New Directions’ service plans, demonstrating a shared recognition and understanding of where the service needs to continue to develop following this significant period of change.Whilst it is important to acknowledge the areas that our service will continue to improve, we also aim to strengthen those areas that were rated Good.

"We were pleased to be rated Good for being a caring and well-led service and are proud of our compassionate workforce and dedicated colleagues.

"We are ambitious about achieving the best outcomes for the individuals that we support and are fully committed to providing the best care possible for those affected by drug and alcohol addiction in Bradford and the wider community."

He added: "Anyone who is worried about their drinking, or is concerned about a friend or relative, please get in touch with us by calling 01274 296023. We are here to help."