Buryfields Clinic

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 9 March 2022 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 clinic 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 specialist dental adviser and a second CQC inspector.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment,

we usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• Is it well-led?

These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.

Our findings were:

• The dental clinic appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained. However, improvements could be made to the interior fabric of the building.
• The clinic 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 clinic had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Improvements could be made to the management of waste materials.
• The clinic had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• Improvements could be made to the flow of outgoing referral information to manage understanding and expectations of referring clinicians and patients.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided. However, some improvements could be made with collection of information from a wider variety of sources.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has eight clinics and this report is about Buryfields Clinic.

Buryfields Clinic is in Guildford and provides NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the clinic for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the clinic. The clinic has made various adjustments to support patients with additional needs, for example a lift, automatic doors and disabled access toilet.

The dental team includes two oral surgeons, five dentists, seven dental nurses, a dental therapist, six support staff and three receptionists. The clinic has five treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with a dentist, a dental nurse team manager, a service team leader, a business and administration manager, a dental nurse team leader, two dental nurses, three support staff, a receptionist, a clinical lead and the service manager. We looked at clinic policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The clinic is open:

• Monday 8am to 4pm
• Tuesday 8am to 4pm
• Wednesday 8am to 4pm
• Thursday 8am to 4pm
• Friday 8am to 4pm

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Improve the clinic's waste handling protocols to ensure waste is segregated and disposed of in compliance with the relevant regulations, and taking into account the guidance issued in the Health Technical Memorandum 07-01.

• Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises and ensure all areas are fit for the purpose for which they are being used. In particular redecoration.