Elm Park Dental Surgery

On this page

• Overview
• Person-centred Care
• Care provision, Integration and continuity
• Providing Information
• Listening to and involving people
• Equity in access
• Equity in experiences and outcomes
• Planning for the future

We found this practice was providing responsive 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 Person-centred Care is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Care provision, Integration and continuity is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Providing Information is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Listening to and involving people is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

Staff had carried out a disability access audit and had an action plan to continually improve access for patients.

The practice had recently undergone extensive structural renovations which had greatly improved accessibility to the service. Staff described the reasonable adjustments they had made to ensure the practice was accessible. The practice had access to tablet devices which could be magnified to accommodate patients who preferred larger prints. The practice was wheelchair accessible with step-free access, sloped entrance, wide doorways, ground floor treatment rooms, an accessible toilet and the reception desk at a height accessible to patients in wheelchairs. Handrails were installed at the entrance of the practice to assist those who have issues with mobility. Staff did not have access to formal language interpreting and translation services. However, the provider had a multilingual team who assisted patients with communication.

Staff were clear about the importance of providing emotional support to patients when delivering care. For example, dental nurses told us that they reassured nervous patients by explaining procedures calmly.

The practice supported more vulnerable members of society, for example, patients living with dementia or adults and children with a learning disability. We saw that some members of staff had completed training in learning disability awareness.

The practice displayed its opening hours and provided information on their website, at the practice and NHS Choices website.

The practice had a website which was up to date and provided patients with information about the services offered. Patients were able to contact the practice through the website, and individuals wishing to join the practice could register online as new patients.

The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

The practice provided telephone numbers for patients needing emergency dental treatment during the working day and when the practice was not open.

At the time of our inspection, patients who needed an urgent appointment were offered one in a timely manner. When the practice was unable to offer an urgent appointment, they worked with partner organisations to support urgent access for patients.

The judgement for Equity in experiences and outcomes is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Planning for the future is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.