The No8 Partnership

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 within a ‘Gold Star’ folder, and these were reviewed on a regular basis. Policy updates were discussed in practice meetings, with meeting minutes circulated to all staff along with reminders of relevant policies and where to find them. The practice manager included crossword questions and puzzles for staff to engage with on the themes covered within the practice meetings.

Systems and processes were embedded, and the inspection did not highlight any significant issues or omissions. Areas requiring improvement were 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.

There were effective processes for identifying and managing risks, 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.

We noted innovative approaches to providing person centred care. For example, patients were welcome to use the communal gardens prior to and after their appointments, where they could relax and spend time with the resident tortoises.

Staff had clear responsibilities, and systems of accountability to support good governance. The practice partners held formal quarterly meetings but also held regular informal lunchtime meetings to discuss or resolve issues which required prompt action. Staff told us that daily huddles occurred between the clinician and the dental nurse, to discuss the plans for each day.

Staff feedback was obtained through meetings, surveys, and 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. For example, staff told us they had provided input into the refurbishment of the waiting room and could offer suggestions on topics to discuss at future practice meetings, by listing them on a form on the staff room door.

The practice gathered feedback from patients and responded accordingly. The practice had trialled collecting patient feedback digitally, through emails with links to feedback forms. As some patients indicated that they did not like leaving feedback online, the practice ensured that patient comment cards were made available to capture alternative feedback.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice recycled where possible and some of the staff cycled to work. They had also decommissioned the gas boiler and replaced it with a more energy efficient electric system.

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.