Archived: The Liverpool Brace Place

We carried out this announced focused inspection on Tuesday 22 February 2022 under section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. We planned the inspection to check whether the registered practice was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations. The inspection was led by a Care Quality Commission, (CQC), inspector who was supported by a specialist dental adviser.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• Is it well-led?

These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.

Our findings were:

• The orthodontic clinic appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• A system for dealing with any patient concerns or complaints was in place.
• The orthodontic clinic had information governance arrangements in place.

Background

The Liverpool Brace Place is in Liverpool City Centre and provides NHS and private dental care, specifically, specialist orthodontic treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available in nearby multi-story car parks. There are clearly marked car parking spaces for disabled people, immediately outside the practice. The practice has made numerous adjustments to support patients with additional needs for example through provision of a hearing loop and training in autism awareness for clinicians and staff.

The orthodontic team includes two specialist orthodontists, six orthodontic nurses, one trainee dental nurse and four orthodontic therapists. The practice is supported by a practice manager; the practice has eight treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal orthodontist, an orthodontic therapist, the lead orthodontic nurse and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4.30pm. Other appointment times are available by arrangement, when patient treatment requires this.