Bank View Smile Studios

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 19 December 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. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Some actions were needed to improve the risks from sharps, radiography, and prescription security. These were addressed immediately.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines. Improvements should be made to ensure patient safety alerts are received and acted on.
• 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.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

Bank View Smile Studios is in Blackburn, Lancashire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice has steps at the entrance with handrails and highlighted edging to assist patients with mobility issues. 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 3 dentists, 8 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist and a practice manager. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses, the dental hygienist 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, Tuesday and Thursday 8.30am to 5.45pm

Wednesday 8.30am to 4.45pm

Friday 8.30am to 5.15pm

Saturday 9.00am to 12noon (2 per month)

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Implement an effective system for receiving and responding to patient safety alerts, recalls and rapid response reports issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the Central Alerting System and other relevant bodies, such as Public Health England.

• Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK).

• Take action to ensure audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.