Updated 30 April 2024
We carried out this unannounced focused inspection on 26 March 2024 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 second CQC inspector and a specialist dental advisor.
As part of this inspection, we asked?
- Is it safe?
This question form the framework for the area 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.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
Background
Holly House Dental Practice is in Stockport and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free 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 6 dentists, 1 dental therapist, 6 qualified dental nurses including the practice manager and 2 receptionists. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 qualified dental nurses including the practice manager, and 2 receptionists. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 5.30pm
Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm
Saturday by appointment only.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
- Take action to ensure the availability of equipment and medicines in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK), the General Dental Council and British National Formulary.