GMDA Wigan

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 risks effectively and staff described the processes. This included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working.

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.

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 main practice was responsible for servicing and maintaining equipment and other safety arrangements, with relevant information shared with the out-of-hours service to support ongoing oversight. We were told that the practice managers worked collaboratively to ensure these arrangements were maintained.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available.

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

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and a log was in place to monitor and track their use.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation and were intended to support the employment of suitable staff. However, records relating to recruitment checks were not consistently available for review. For example, although we were told that Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks had been completed at the point of recruitment, evidence of these checks was not available as the relevant files had become corrupted. The practice should improve arrangements for retaining recruitment information to ensure required records are securely stored and remain accessible for review.

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 described the use of an interactive, live rota as particularly helpful in supporting communication across the team and enabling staff to arrange shift cover or swaps when needed.

They demonstrated a clear understanding of safeguarding and knew how to access relevant information. Staff were also aware of their responsibilities in protecting vulnerable adults and children.

The practice had systems in place to support and monitor staff training, including continuing professional development. However, oversight of staff training should be improved to ensure records were complete, up to date and effectively monitored, particularly following changes to practice systems.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff were kept up-to-date through a monthly newsletter, which helped ensure they received important information despite many staff working in other practices during the day. This provided a practical alternative to regular face-to-face team meetings, which were difficult to arrange due to staff working patterns.

Staff described a positive working environment where they felt supported and said they enjoyed working as part of the practice team.

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.