Updated 13 June 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 23 May 2023 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 advisor.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive to people’s needs?
- Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic appeared 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 manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Fire risks were not appropriately assessed, this was addressed immediately.
- 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. Disclosure and Barring Service checks were not carried out at the point of employment.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Hick Lane Dental Surgery Ltd is in Batley and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is ramped access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 5 dentists 1 of whom is in the foundation year at the practice and is overseen by the lead dentist who is qualified to supervise dentists in their first year in practice, 8 dental nurses including 4 trainees, 1 dental hygienist, 1 practice manager and 2 receptionists. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am to 6:30pm
Friday 9am to 12:30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.
- Take action to ensure that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.
- Ensure the systems in place to track and monitor the use of NHS prescription pads are followed.
- Take action to appoint a competent person, to carry out any of the preventive and protective measures, taking into account The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.