Southend Road Dental Surgery

We carried out this announced focused inspection on Southend Road Dental Surgery on 19 May 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 dental clinic was 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.
• 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.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has five practices and this report is about Southend Road Dental Surgery.

Southend Road Dental Surgery is in Rainham, in the North East London Borough of Havering. They provide NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is ramp access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. There is permit free car parking available near the practice and on surrounding streets. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes two dentists, two qualified dental nurses, two trainee dental nurses, a dental hygienist and two receptionists. They were supported by a practice manager and a business manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, the lead dental nurse, one trainee dental nurse, the practice manager and the business manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open Monday to Thursday 08.30am to 5.00pm and Friday 08:30am to 4:00pm.

Outside of these hours, patients are advised to contact NHS 111 for emergency care and treatment.