We inspected the Vision of Hope on the 26/09/2013 and found that improvements to the service were required in order to demonstrate compliance with the regulations of the Health and Social Care Act 2008. The Registered Manager submitted an action plan to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with a completion date of November 2013. When we carried out our last inspection, we spoke with people who used the service, who told us they were very happy with the service provided at the Vision of Hope. This inspection specifically focused on the clinics ability to demonstrate compliance in four areas of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 that were non-compliant in our last report.

The provider had taken appropriate steps to reduce the risk of people receiving unsafe or inappropriate care, treatment or support by having arrangements in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies.

We found that appropriate steps had been taken to ensure that the risk of acquiring a health care associated infection had been reduced.

Staff had received safeguarding of vulnerable adults training, and had easy access to the local safeguarding team.

The provider had completed Disclosure and Barring Service checks on all the staff employed at the clinic.

We spoke with three people who used the service, a relative, one staff member and the registered manager. The provider is also the registered manager and lead clinician of the service and for the purpose of the report will be referred to as the manager.

The people we spoke with told us they were happy with the care they had received at the Vision on Hope and with the staff team. One person who used the service told us "It’s brilliant, I’m very happy with the service". Another person told us, “It’s a really good service and I have no criticisms”. Staff told us they felt the quality of care delivered was of a good standard.

We found the people who use the service had consented to all treatments they chose. All the people we spoke with told us they had signed a valid consent form.

People were made aware of the requirements for them to pay for their care, treatment and support and the expected costs. This was confirmed by the conversations we had with people.

We found care records were very detailed and fit for purpose. Each file contained extensive evidence that people had been involved in the planning of their care and treatment.

We found that the people who use this service were not protected from the risk of abuse. Safeguarding training had not been completed by clinic staff and there was no adult safeguarding policy in place.

We found that people were not protected from the risk of acquiring a health related infection.

We also found that the clinic had not completed the necessary checks relating to workers.

The provider had an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people received.

People who used the service described it as "fantastic" and motivational. They said they had researched their condition and "Vision of Hope" was highly recommended both by word of mouth and alternative therapists. The people we spoke with said that the treatments really helped them. They said they felt very much part of decision making. They said they could not fault the service they received.

We found that people were given adequate information about treatments, risks and benefits involved and any alternatives available to them.

We found that there were a range of guidelines in place to keep staff and people using the service safe, however many of them had not been reviewed for 6 years. We found that there was no safeguarding guidance/policy in place. This meant that people using the service were not kept safe from abuse.

We found that people's views and comments were encouraged and that service improvements had been made as a result

When we spoke to patients at the clinic we were told that they were given care in a dignified manner and treated with courtesy and respect at all times. They said they were advised and supported when being given options and were encouraged to participate in making decisions relating to their care and treatment paths.

One patient told us that at a time of her life when she was very stressed the clinic restored her confidence and hope and helped her take control of her illness. Another patient said “everything is always explained to me and I feel confident about asking anything”.

Patients said they were reassured that they were being treated in surroundings that were safe and well maintained. Medication was explained fully to them and they were made aware of any research findings, side effects or adverse reactions.

Patient surveys reflected that patients found the service to be excellent. One patient remarked that “my treatment report was very informative and contained excellent advice thank you”. Another comment simply stated “Thank you for your wonderful care".