Halton House Dental Centre Limited

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. Staff also participated in medical emergency scenario training.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and, on the whole, stored safely.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

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

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 systems for the management of fire safety, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. However, the leadership team should ensure that steps are taken to address recommendations from fire risk assessments and that the building evacuation time is reviewed.

The practice had recruitment policies and procedures that reflected relevant legislation and supported the recruitment of suitable staff, including agency and locum staff. However, the practice should ensure the group’s recruitment protocols are consistently adhered to, particularly regarding the completion of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for staff.

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 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 ensured staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

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, clinical discussions, practice team meetings and ongoing informal conversations.

Staff told us they felt respected, supported and valued, and described the practice as a positive place to work with supportive leadership and good opportunities for development.

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 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 practice had procedures in place to reduce the risk of Legionella and other bacteria developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance. However, improvements should be made to ensure these arrangements are effective. This includes reviewing thermal control measures, taking action when risks are identified, and implementing recommended equipment servicing.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.