Archived: Dr Edward Nicholson - Harrogate Road

On revisiting the practice we found the dentist had improved arrangements for the management of medical emergencies which may arise at the practice. However, although some improvements had been made we found the dentist had not followed good practice guidance in relation to infection control procedures and patients were not adequately protected from the risk of infection. We also found that the dentist did not have appropriate arrangements for the storage and disposal of patient medication.

In response to our concerns about systems to monitor the quality of the service we found the dentist had sought the views of patients but had not acted on their comments to improve the service. There were no other systems to monitor and assess the quality of the service and the dentist was unable to provide any evidence that risks to the health, safety and welfare of patients were effectively managed.

People told us that the provider took time to explain their treatment to them and gave them time to think about their options before they gave their consent to treatment. People told us that the provider carried out a very thorough examination of their needs and always checked their medical history.

At the time of our visit there were no emergency drugs available at the practice and the provider was unable to provide treatment in the event of a medical emergency. The provider did not have written procedures for the cleaning of the practice and was unable to demonstrate that patients and staff were adequately protected from the risk of infection.

The provider did not have systems to monitor and assess the quality of the service and could not provide assurance that the health, safety and welfare of patients and staff were protected.