Knowle Smile Spa

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 and staff described the processes. This included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working. We identified that staff were not working in accordance with the sharps risk assessment. Following this inspection, we were assured that a staff meeting had been held and staff had received training to ensure the risk assessment was followed.

A fire safety risk assessment had been completed and there were some recommendations for action which remained outstanding. Following this inspection, we received assurances that contractors had been contacted to conduct all outstanding works, and we received evidence of actions taken regarding other outstanding issues.

Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. They felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice.

Staff could access emergency equipment and medicines. We saw that one oxygen mask was out-of-date. Following this inspection, we received evidence to demonstrate that this had been replaced. Oxygen masks and tubing had also been purchased for the second oxygen cylinder available at the practice.

Checks in place had not identified the out-of-date oxygen mask. A system was implemented to ensure that more stringent checks were to 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.

Staff providing treatment to patients under sedation had also completed 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 requiredradiation protection information was available.

There was scope for improvement in the management of fire safety. Fire exits were clear and well signposted. We were assured that checks were completed on fire safety systems in place but not all of these were documented. We were provided with evidence that, going forward, these would be recorded on the practice compliance system.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable 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 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. One staff member told us “[Management] are very good at encouraging training and giving full support throughout.”

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. One staff member told us, “We are encouraged to take on extra responsibilities.” Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during appraisals, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

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

The practice had infection control procedures that reflectedpublished 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’s procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems needed strengthening, in line with the practice risk assessment and current guidance[. There was a gap in the records indicating that hot and cold water temperatures were not being monitored. We were assured that a second staff member would be assigned to this responsibility, ensuring weekly temperature checks were consistently carried out.

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.