17 January 2012
During a routine inspection
We spoke with patients who use the practice both on the day of the visit and before and after the visit, on the telephone. We also spoke with nursing and dental staff, one of the partners of the practice and the practice manager who was a qualified nurse.
We asked people about their experiences of the practice and how the practice was
managed to reach the required standards. People we spoke with said they were very happy with the service they received. They told us, 'Everything is very good'.
We found that the practice surgery was upstairs, so that people with some mobility
problems would not be able to use this practice. We spoke to people with some mobility problems to see how they managed this. They told us that they managed the stairs well if they took their time and used the handrails provided.
We asked about the availability of appointments and if they had to wait over their appointment time to be seen. People told us; 'I never have a problem with getting an appointment, usually can get one that same day' and 'I always get seen on time.'
We asked about receiving treatment as an emergency. The manager told us that some dentists held a slot for emergency appointments but they allowed people to come in whenever they needed, on the understanding that they had to wait.
On the day of the visit, we saw that there was a computerised system that showed all patients using the practice and clearly indicated where people were sitting and waiting so that everyone was aware.
Staff spoken with told us that they were very happy working at the practice and that they felt they received a good level of training and support from the dentists and managers and said that they were "very approachable."
We undertook a tour of the practice; looked at systems in place and asked people about the cleanliness and hygiene practices.
People we spoke with said everything always looked clean and that there were good
standards of personal hygiene. One person said, 'it's very clean even the nooks and crannies.'
People confirmed that the dentists and nurses always wore disposable gloves and eye goggles.
Staff told us there was always a sufficient supply of gloves, aprons, hand wash, gels and other items required to ensure good standards of care. They told us that they had
attended training in the decontamination of equipment and infection control. Staff said they felt confident with the procedures and that there was additional guidance to follow if needed. Staff were able to show us the decontamination process and describe how the equipment was monitored to ensure it was working efficiently.