Pampisford Dental Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice had processes to identify and manage most risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.

Emergency medicines were available and checked in accordance with national guidance. However, we saw that some medical emergency equipment was not present. This had not been identified by the regular checks being carried out. Following the inspection, we saw that new medical emergency equipment had been ordered. Staff could access these in a timely way. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. Safety data sheets were present for the majority of hazardous substances, but these were not readily accessible by staff. Following the inspection, the practice told us this will be reorganised into an accessible folder on the computer.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available.

A fire safety risk assessment had been carried out by a member of staff who was not able to demonstrate competency to do so. Whilst the smoke alarms were being tested on a regular basis, the emergency lights were not being tested. Following the inspection, we saw that a fire risk assessment had been arranged to be carried out by a certified fire risk assessor, and the practice told us testing of the emergency lights will be completed and documented.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines.
 

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff, including agency or locum staff.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient levels of staff on duty at all times. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

Staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

The practice did not have arrangements to ensure staff training, including continuing professional development (CPD), was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. The practice should implement practice protocols and procedures to ensure staff are up to date with their mandatory training and their continuing professional development. Following the inspection, the practice told us that a system will be implemented to ensure this is completed.
 

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance. The practice completed infection prevention and control (IPC) audits; however these were not in line with current guidance as they were completed on an annual basis. Following the inspection, the practice told us they will now be carried out every 6 months.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

We observed use of personal protective equipment and the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste. Improvements could be made to ensure that the external clinical waste bins were kept secure. Following the inspection, we saw that the provider had made arrangements for this to be carried out.

The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions.
 

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.