Whitworth Dental Care

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.

There were governance processes for identifying and managing risks, and for receiving and acting on safety alerts. However, the systems to identify and manage sharps, Legionella and fire safety risks should be reviewed to ensure these are effective.

The practice should implement an effective system for recording, investigating and reviewing accidents, incidents and significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result. The practice did not have effective systems to review and investigate incidents and accidents. We saw where staff reported sharps injuries, there was no evidence these were risk assessed, advice sought or followed up to ensure appropriate action had been taken, or the circumstances investigated to prevent reoccurrence. We discussed this with the principal dentist who gave assurance that this would be addressed. The provider highlighted barriers to accessing advice and support. We signposted them to resources to support them.

On the day of the inspection staff were open to feedback. They took immediate actions to address minor concerns raised during the inspection and sent evidence to confirm that action had been taken. They demonstrated a commitment to continuing the work and engagement with staff and external organisations to make further improvements.

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.

Relevant policies and protocols were in place for the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV).

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 meetings 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.

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners, and responded accordingly.

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.