Independent investigation: Janet Frost, Meadowfielsd – County Hospital Durham (1999)

Social services should review its processes for accepting referrals.

There should be steps taken to bring about better integration of the Drug and Alcohol team into the care planning processes.

Social services should review its inter team working.

Social services should make more use of case review meetings.

The trust and social services should review the inter relationship of substance misuse services across their organisations.

The substance misuse team should be more integrated into the care management processes.

Social services should review its approach to looked after children where their parents have mental health or substance abuse problems.

Staff in both health and social services should be reminded of the need to take a holistic approach to care, and to work together effectively with partner agencies, including voluntary agencies.

Management of the trust should ensure that the County Hospital has proper policies and guidance in place on key aspects, including breach of the patient contract, confiscation of alcohol, relationships between patients, contact with families and carers, leave arrangements, risk … Read more Management of the trust should ensure that the County Hospital has proper policies and guidance in place on key aspects, including breach of the patient contract, confiscation of alcohol, relationships between patients, contact with families and carers, leave arrangements, risk assessment, professional supervision, and discharge arrangements. Show less

Management of the trust should ensure that audit and monitoring arrangements are in place to ensure that the policies and guidance are being implemented.