Synergy Dental Clinic Leyland

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 not providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations. We will be following up on our concerns to ensure they have been put right by the provider.

During our inspection, we found:

The registered person had systems and processes in place; however, these were not operating effectively to support the monitoring and improvement of service quality and safety.

Systems were not effective in identifying, monitoring, or mitigating risks to the health, safety, and welfare of people using the service and others who may be affected.

The registered person did not have effective systems to ensure dental records were stored securely.

Systems to maintain essential management records were ineffective, particularly in relation to staff training records.

Protocols for the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) had not been updated to reflect current protocols in place.

There were no effective systems to ensure that accurate, complete, and up-to-date records were securely maintained for each person using the service.

This resulted in a breach of Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

You can find more details of our concerns in the detailed findings below.

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 oversight of the practice did not ensure the systems and processes were embedded in the day-to-day running of the practice.

The practice had ineffective systems relating to the management of fire safety, hazardous substances, waste management, record keeping and staff training.

The practice had systems and processes for learning, quality assurance, and continuous improvement, including audits based on recognised guidance. However, recent radiograph audits identified areas needing improvement but did not result in clear, demonstrable changes. Additionally, the record-keeping audit failed to highlight key issues, and the associated actions and reflections required strengthening.

Staff were aware of the importance of protecting patients’ personal information. Staff password protected patients’ electronic care records were stored securely and complied with General Data Protection Regulations. However, we found that paper records were stored in a damaged storage unit, and the risk of unauthorised access had not been considered or mitigated.

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

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

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.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, turning off electrical appliances when not in use and recycling where possible.

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.