Whalebone Lane Dental Clinic

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.

Staff described the reasonable adjustments they had made to ensure the practice was accessible. The practice was wheelchair accessible with step-free access and an accessible toilet. There were 2 ground floor treatment rooms where sedation was carried out. The practice had a lift to the first floor for patients who were less mobile. Alternatively, patients could be treated downstairs. Staff could provide information in large print or alternative formats to support patients with impaired vision. The practice had a hearing induction loop to support patients with a hearing impairment. Staff spoke a number of different languages and had access to language translation services as required.

Staff were clear about the importance of providing emotional support to patients when delivering care. Staff provided quieter waiting areas for patients who were anxious or had additional needs.

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 staff had received training in supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people. Staff told us how patients with additional needs were accommodated so that they were able to receive dental care.

The practice displayed its opening hours and provided information on their website and social media page.

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.