Hullbridge Dental Centre

On this page

• Overview
• Shared direction and culture
• Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
• Freedom to speak up
• Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion
• Governance, management and sustainability
• Partnerships and communities
• Learning, improvement and innovation

We found this practice was not providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations. We will be following up on our concerns to ensure the provider had made the required improvements.

During our inspection of this key question, we found concerns related to oversight and management of staff recruitment and effective systems to review and investigate incidents and accidents.

This resulted in a breach of Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

You can find more details of our concerns in the detailed findings below.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Shared direction and culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Freedom to speak up is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The practice had a governance system that included policies and procedures, which were accessible to staff and were reviewed on a regular basis.

Systems and processes were mostly embedded. Where the inspection identified areas which required improvement, these were acted on immediately and the provider and staff demonstrated a commitment to addressing all issues identified.

Staff were aware of the importance of protecting patients’ personal information. Staff password protected patients’ electronic care records and paper records were stored securely and complied with General Data Protection Regulations.

Processes for identifying and mitigating risks, issues and performance were not always clear and effective. There was scope to ensure checks of fridge temperatures, hot and cold water temperatures, fire drills, medical alerts and checks of replacing equipment in the decontamination area were always documented. Evidence of periodic testing of decontamination equipment was not always retained.

The practice had systems and processes for learning, quality assurance and continuous improvement. This included undertaking audits according to recognised guidance.

Concerns and complaints were responded to appropriately and outcomes were discussed to share learning and for improvement.

Staff had clear responsibilities and systems of accountability to support good governance.

Staff feedback was obtained through informal discussions. They were encouraged to offer suggestions for improvements to the service and they said these were listened to and acted upon, where appropriate.

Feedback from patients, the public and external partners was collected to which the practice responded.

The judgement for Partnerships and communities is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Learning, improvement and innovation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.