Station House Dental Practice

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 and sepsis awareness.

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.

Most emergency equipment and medicines were available. Items that were missing or did not display an expiry date were ordered immediately during our inspection. We found this equipment was checked monthly rather than weekly in line with national guidance. Following our inspection, we received evidence to show the checklist had been updated to include all required items and their expiry dates for use moving forward. Staff 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 stored safely. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)risk assessments and safety data sheets were available for staff.

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 required radiation protection information was available.

The practice managed fire safety by carrying out a fire safety risk assessment. Following our inspection, an external company was booked to carry out a new fire safety risk assessment. Fire exits were clear and the practice was in the process of displaying new fire exit signage following re-decoration.

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 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 comprehensive 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.

Improvements were required to ensure 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 within their capabilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, clinical supervision, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

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

We were told “I feel respected, valued, and supported in my role as a dental nurse. My work is appreciated, and I feel recognised as an important part of the dental team.”

The practice had infection control procedures that mostly reflected published guidance. Shortfalls were identified which were rectified immediately following our inspection.

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 procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance. At the time of our inspection, we found the hot water temperature was not reaching the recommended 55 degrees Celsius. The practice addressed this by increasing the temperature and displaying hot water warning signage.

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 however, we found these were not carried out consistently in line with current guidance timeframes.

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