Aughton Dental Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Shared direction and culture
• Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
• Freedom to speak up
• Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion
• Governance, management and sustainability
• Partnerships and communities
• Learning, improvement and innovation

We found this practice was providing well-led 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 Shared direction and culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Freedom to speak up is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The practice had a governance system that included policies and procedures, which were accessible to staff and were reviewed on a regular basis.

Systems and processes were embedded, and the inspection did not highlight any issues or omissions.

Staff were aware of the importance of protecting patients’ personal information. Staff password protected patients’ electronic care records, and paper records were stored securely and complied with General Data Protection Regulations.

There were effective processes for identifying and managing risks, investigating incidents and accidents, and for receiving and acting on safety alerts.

The practice had systems and processes for learning, quality assurance and continuous improvement. This included undertaking audits according to recognised guidance.

Concerns and complaints were responded to appropriately, and outcomes were discussed to share learning and for improvement.

We noted innovative approaches to providing person-centred care. For example, staff described going above and beyond to meet individual patient needs. One nurse routinely accompanied a patient to and from their car due to concerns about their mobility and stability, ensuring they felt safe and supported when attending appointments.

The practice had also worked collaboratively with a local nursery, providing oral health packs and delivering interactive demonstrations to promote good oral health from an early age. This engaging approach helped make oral health education accessible and enjoyable for children and their families.

Staff had clear responsibilities, and systems of accountability to support good governance.

Staff feedback was obtained through meetings and informal discussions. They were encouraged to offer suggestions for improvements to the service, and they said these were listened to and acted upon, where appropriate. For example, staff suggestions had led to improvements in clinical processes, enhancements to equipment and resources through the purchase of new equipment, and improvements to stock control arrangements.

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners, and responded accordingly. For example, feedback from patients had led to improvements in patient communication, including clearer explanations of treatment options to help patients make informed decisions about their care.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, staff described measures to reduce waste through improved waste segregation and recycling processes. The practice had also adopted paperless ways of working, including the use of digital records and electronic communications where possible. In addition, stock control processes were used to minimise waste and support more sustainable purchasing decisions.

The judgement for Partnerships and communities is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Learning, improvement and innovation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.