Hoe Street Dental Surgery

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 line 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 identified and managed most risks effectively and staff described the processes. This included sharps safety and sepsis awareness.

Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. They felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.

Staff could access emergency equipment and medicines that were checked in line with national guidance. They knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year. Staff also participated in medical emergency scenario training.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely.

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. The provider should ensure rectangular collimators are used in accordance with the recommendations of the Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) report. We do not assess compliance with the Ionising Radiation regulations 2017 and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) regulations 2017 but we do request services to provide evidence that demonstrates their compliance to inform our findings.

The practice managed fire safety well, and fire exits were clear and well signposted.

Whilst we saw that the alarm and emergency lighting systems had been serviced, staff had not carried out the required weekly and monthly tests to ensure they remained in good working order.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely. On the day of the inspection, the practice implemented a log to monitor and track their use.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff. Employment records for staff members identified several gaps. There was no documented evidence relating to conduct in previous employment, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for some staff were either out of date at the point of recruitment or had not been obtained. Following the inspection, the provider confirmed that these issues had been addressed. The staff team was longstanding, with some members having been employed by the practice for more than 10 years.

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

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were enough staff on duty at all times. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. However, we noted that the safeguarding policies did not include details of internal or external reporting procedures. This was addressed following the inspection.

Improvements were required to ensure that staff training was monitored, reviewed at the required intervals and kept up to date.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. There were processes in place to ensure that the 2 foundation dentists were appropriately supervised by experienced clinicians to support their training and development.

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

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

“I have worked in the practice for around 20 years and I feel my opinions and suggestions are valued. The management team encourages staff involvement and welcomes ideas that help improve patient care and the running of the practice.”

“As a senior member of staff I am very much respected and respect all staff in their various roles.”

“Yes, I always feel respected, valued and supported in my role what I do, my contribution is appreciated by both my colleagues and management.”

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

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

Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line 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, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste.

Equipment was maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

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