Updated 20 December 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 22 November 2023 under section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions.
We planned the inspection to check whether the registered practice was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations.
The inspection was led by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector who was supported by a specialist dental advisor.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive to people’s needs?
- Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies and could evidence refresher training, undertaken on an annual basis.
- Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were not available, as referred to in recognised guidance.
- The practice had some systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Some processes to ensure safety of some equipment had lapsed and required registrations had not been completed.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. We noted that some staff could not evidence current training on safeguarding.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- Staff felt involved and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Processes were in place to deal with complaints positively and efficiently.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Maycroft Dental Practice is in Wirral, Cheshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 2 qualified dental nurses, one of whom is the practice manager, 3 trainee dental nurses, 3 dental therapists and 3 receptionists. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Wednesday from 9am to 5pm; Thursday from 9am to 7pm and Friday from 8.30am to 5pm.
We identified regulations the provider was/is not complying with. They must:
Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.