The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded the rating of Ark House in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, from good to outstanding following an inspection on 9 and 10 September.
Ark House, run by Ark House Rehab Limited, is a residential substance misuse rehabilitation service that provides treatment to rehabilitate people with drug or alcohol dependency. It can support up to 30 people, at the time of this inspection 26 people were using the service.
The inspection was carried out as part of CQC’s continual checks on the safety and quality of healthcare services.
CQC has improved the rating from good to outstanding for how effective, caring and well-led the service is. Safe and responsive have been re-rated as good.
Gemma Berry, CQC deputy director of operations in the north, said:
“When we visited Ark House, we found a safe, therapeutic environment with skilled, compassionate and caring staff who delivered person-centred care to meet people’s individual needs.
“Feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. People told us that the service had saved their life. They also praised staff for being clear about what treatment they needed and for the outstanding support provided to them throughout their recovery.
“Family members were positive about the service and told us that due to the care they felt that ‘they had their loved one back’. Family was involved throughout their loved one’s journey and praised staff for the support they provided to help them understand their loved one’s addiction.
“Additionally, after completing the treatment programme, people could return to Ark House for follow up support. This was incredibly valuable for people still going through treatment so they could see how people were coping once they were back in the community. Some had also gone on to be volunteers at the service.
“Overall, leaders and staff should be incredibly proud of the care they provide and the culture they have implemented, which is clearly appreciated by people using the service and their families. Other similar services should look to this report to see what they can learn.”
Inspectors found:
- The service had enough staff to keep people safe and ensure therapeutic interventions were consistent and structured.
- The service ensured that relevant policies and procedures were in place, to ensure admissions and discharges were safe and effective.
- Staff completed daily bedroom checks with people and assessed and managed risks to them and others using the service to keep them safe.
- Leaders carried out pre-admission assessments to ensure people’s needs could be safely met.
- The service employed two chefs who offered a wide range of meals. Ensuring healthy options were available and any specific dietary needs were met. Overall, feedback was very positive about the food available.
- Partner organisations told inspectors that communication, referral process and shared learning was excellent.