The Willows Dental Surgery

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.

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. Electronic devices were used for patients to complete documents, for example their consent forms and medical histories.

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. Staff told us they had supported a patient after treatment by hand-delivering additional gauze to their home. The practice booked longer appointments for patients with any additional needs. They also ensured they used the same dental surgery, the same dentist and the same dental nurse for autistic patients to provide continuity of care.

Staff had clear responsibilities, and systems of accountability to support good governance. Staff held morning huddles to enable smooth-running of the day’s appointments.

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.

Feedback from patients, the public and external partners was collected to which the practice responded. For example, the practice used a locum dental hygienist to create additional clinics to help see patients sooner.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice recycled all paper and cardboard, and they turned off lights when not in use. Staff thought about their impact on the environment getting to work and from work. Four members of staff chose to walk instead of driving.

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.