Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic

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, although these were not checked in line with national guidance and were not always effective. Checks had not identified that items were missing from the medical emergency kit and did not have expiry dates recorded. Following this inspection, we were sent evidence to demonstrate that replacement items had been ordered as required. We were also told weekly checks would be completed going forward.

Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year. Three staff at the practice had also completed additional immediate life support 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. This included cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) equipment. We saw one action which had not been addressed from the critical examination report regarding signage for the CBCT machine. We were sent evidence following this inspection to demonstrate that this had been addressed.

The practice managed fire safety, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. There was one recommendation outstanding from the fire risk assessment relating to an emergency door closure on one door. The provider had alternative arrangements in place which they considered to be as effective but confirmed that they would purchase the door closer as required.

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, to help them employ suitable staff. However, this was not consistently followed. Hepatitis B titre levels (required to show the level of immunity) were not available for all staff, although evidence of vaccination was available. Following this inspection we were provided with assurances that titre levels would be obtained as required and the provider had contacted services to schedule blood tests for staff as required.

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. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice ensured staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. Trainee staff had protected learning time each week.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, one-to-one meetings and ongoing informal discussions. Staff told us that they were encouraged to step into lead roles when the chance arose.

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

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 mostly 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. However,hot water temperature checks recorded had not always reached the temperature required in the Legionella risk assessment and there was no evidence of action taken to address this. The provider assured us that the boiler temperature would be adjusted accordingly, monitoring logs amended and staff trained to ensure they were aware of the correct hot water temperatures.

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.