Hampstead Healthcare

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. The practice maintained a live risk register which was updated following any incidents, service changes or audits, and discussed within weekly meetings.

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.

Staff could access emergency equipment and medicines that were checked in line with national guidance. They 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. 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 most were stored safely. Cleaning products within an unlocked cupboard in the patient lounge were removed immediately following feedback from the inspection team.

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. This included cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and laser equipment.

The practice managed fire safety well, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. Following feedback from the inspection team, the practice told us they would ensure the fire logbook would be completed regularly to record in-house testing of the fire safety equipment.

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, including agency or locum 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. One of the dental hygienists, who also had a teaching degree, had developed a comprehensive onboarding training programme for new hygienists. We were told that the onboarding training programme helped new hygienists feel confident to fully contribute to patient care as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

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. Dentists participated in monthly study groups, which were also offered to external dentists to attend. These study groups were held online to make them more accessible and aimed to enhance knowledge, build confidence and provided a platform for clinical discussions between clinicians. One of the dental hygienists also organised dental hygiene and dental therapy study groups, where guest speakers were invited to present on a variety of subjects of interest.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, one-to-one meetings, during clinical supervision, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions. One staff member told us, “We are always encouraged to continue our personal development, to attend courses and in-house training is organised for us.” Another staff member said, “We have weekly team meetings every Monday morning, as well monthly online study groups and dental hygiene and therapy meetings. The team is approachable and supportive, and if the need arises, we can discuss issues, review cases or seek a second opinion at any time. This may be during morning huddles, between patients or during lunch breaks, Time is always made to ensure concerns are addressed and patients receive safe and effective care.”

Staff felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice. One staff member told us, “The practice has a heart – this is the team that have worked over the years to build a wonderful environment for employees and for patients to feel listened to and confident that the care provided is the highest standard by professionals who care.” Another staff member said, “[The principal dentist] is passionate and caring and her dedication to high standards and patient centred care positively influences that whole team. This creates a culture where staff feel respected, motivated and encouraged to provide the best possible care.”

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published 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 had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.

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.