Northern Smiles

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 providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

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.

Overall, systems and processes were embedded; however, the inspection highlighted some areas where improvements should be made. We were told that these areas would be acted on immediately.

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. The team had access to electronic devices, including tablet-style tools, to support patient engagement and record keeping.

There were effective processes for identifying, investigating incidents and accidents, and for receiving and acting on safety alerts.

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 both formal meetings and informal discussions. The practice had a structured meeting schedule covering topics such as patient comments and concerns, ongoing safeguarding issues, staff training needs, and sharing learning from incidents at sister sites within the group.

Staff were encouraged to offer suggestions for service improvements, and they reported that these were listened to and acted upon where appropriate. Additionally, the principal had undertaken extra training to better support staff, including non-work-related issues, and the team were directed to external resources for further assistance when needed.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, staff were encouraged to turn off lights and switches when not in use, biodegradable gloves were used, and there was a significant reduction in paper usage as many processes had moved online.

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.