Forward Leeds wows inspectors to retain outstanding CQC status - with improvement in all areas
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the staff” 😍
Forward Leeds has retained its outstanding status after the latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the staff. They have saved my life," was one of the comments shared with inspectors during their visit to the city’s alcohol and drug support service, which supports more than 7,000 people each year.
The CQC once again rated Forward Leeds Outstanding overall after visiting it in May of this year. The quality of the care provided by staff was praised in particular.
Inspectors also highlighted the positive impact the service has on people's lives. The latest visit also saw the service improve its performance across the assessment areas.
Four of the five categories are now rated Outstanding and the fifth was rated Good.
Forward Leeds Service Director Helen Cook said: "This is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Forward Leeds. Retaining our overall Outstanding rating is a real testament to the quality of care and support our staff provide every day, but I'm particularly proud that we have also improved our ratings as well.
"What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the feedback from the people we support. Hearing that people feel safe, respected, listened to and supported, and reading comments about the life-changing impact our staff have had, means far more than any rating ever could.
"I want to thank every member of the Forward Leeds team. This achievement reflects their compassion, professionalism, dedication and commitment to continually improving the support we provide to people across Leeds."
Councillor Emma Flint, Executive member for Equalities, Adults and Health at Leeds City Council added: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Forward Leeds. I have heard from communities across the city about the incredible difference the service has made to people’s lives. It was wonderful to see this reflected in feedback, with recognition of staff kindness, compassion and commitment”.
One of the strongest findings in the inspection was the feedback from people using the service.
Inspectors heard repeated praise for staff, with people describing them as caring, respectful and willing to go the extra mile. No one interviewed by the CQC raised concerns about the service.
One person told inspectors: "I've got no words to describe how helpful staff have been to me." Another said: "Staff always make time to see me, even at short notice."
The report found that staff take time to understand each person's needs and ambitions, helping them build trust and confidence throughout their recovery. Inspectors said people felt listened to, understood and supported.
Leeds City Council’s Director of Public Health, Victoria Eaton said: “I am delighted to hear that Forward Leeds has again been rated Outstanding by the CQC. Each year, more than 7,000 people in Leeds benefit from the service, including support to reduce harms of drug and alcohol use, treatment and recovery support.
“We are proud to commission such a high quality, compassionate service and would like to thank all the staff at Forward Leeds.”
The CQC also praised the service's approach to keeping people safe. The report highlighted strong safeguarding practices, overdose prevention work, personalised safety plans and effective management of medicines.
Inspectors also found that people using the service were achieving positive outcomes. These included high numbers completing treatment successfully, low rates of people returning to treatment after leaving, and strong uptake of life-saving naloxone kits and hepatitis testing.
The report recognised the wide range of organisations Forward Leeds works with to support people facing some of the city's toughest challenges. This includes people leaving prison, patients being discharged from hospital, sex workers and people experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage.
Staff were another major strength highlighted by inspectors. The workforce was described as passionate, skilled, professional, caring and inclusive.
The CQC also recognised Forward Leeds' commitment to improving services. The report highlighted projects aimed at reducing drug-related deaths, improving liver health, supporting people earlier, and using research and data to improve care and safety.