Initial Quality Assessment Report - CDAS-Report-Aug-2018
joined forces in Stoke-on-Trent to help people improve their lives by reducing the negative impact that drugs and alcohol can have on people and communities.
Arrangements were made for Healthwatch representative Paul Harper to meet with team leaders and staff at Wood House Hanley where services are based. This visit took place on 12 January 2018. Since the changes following the ending of the contract with Lifeline the three agencies have been commissioned to continue with the contract. The Council commissioned the three organisations to deliver the service as an emergency measure to ensure service continuity when Lifeline went into administration but is obliged to re-tender the service in line with procurement regulations. Staff are aware of this process going ahead but this is understandably creating anxiety and uncertainty after the difficulties with Lifeline. Many staff have been employed by the local community drug and alcohol services for many years. At the time of the visit the service had 857 clients in prescribed treatment and there is no current cap on the numbers of people who can be seen.
