Victoria Road Practice

During our previous visit we found that there were no checks in place to ensure that the emergency equipment, the first aid kit and the emergency drug box were stored in an appropriate way and checked prior to expiry dates.

In addition, during our previous visit, we found that staff recruitment records, training records and needle stick injury records were incomplete.

We carried out a follow up inspection on 18 January 2013 in order to look at progress in these areas. We spoke to staff and looked at records and equipment.

We found that there was now a system in place for checking emergency equipment, the first aid kit and emergency drug box were stored in an appropriate way and checked regularly prior to expiry dates.

We saw that improvements had been made to staff files including recruitment records and training records. We saw that needle stick injury records were now recorded appropriately including follow up actions.

Patients were happy with the service they received and felt safe in the care of the dentist. Patients described the service as "first class" and with "friendly and helpful staff". We saw the practice was generally well maintained and that the treatment and reception rooms were clean. Some equipment was old and due for replacement.

Staff we spoke with had a good understanding of infection control procedures and were following guidance appropriately. Staff explained that they had opportunities to attend regular training and were supported with achieving this. However, we saw that not all staff had attended some mandatory training including infection control, safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

Patients said the staff were friendly and professional. However, we saw that the recruitment process had not always been robust. Patients were given opportunities to express their opinion of the service they received. However, effective systems were not in place to regularly monitor the effectiveness and safety of the practice which had resulted in many areas of non compliance.