Harrow 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.

Relevant policies and protocols were in place for the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV).

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, by offering specialist dental services which enabled patients to access treatment in one location. A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner was available on site and staff were trained to use it.

Staff had clear responsibilities, and systems of accountability to support good governance. They stated that the management team was approachable, listened and acted on concerns raised.

Staff feedback was obtained through meetings, surveys, 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, a member of staff told us that, “I have shared feedback on how we can support [trainee dental nurses] training and make sure they feel confident in their role. This has helped improve the support and communication with the team.”

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners, and responded accordingly.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, we observed that clinical care records and radiographs were digitised. Appropriate waste disposal contracts and consignment notices demonstrated safe and compliant disposal of clinical waste. Staff also told us that they were encouraged to sort and recycle domestic waste and switch off equipment when not in use and at the end of the working day.

A member of staff stated that “Staff are encouraged to be environmentally conscious in their daily work, helping the practice operate more sustainably while continuing to provide safe, high-quality patient care.”

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.