Updated 3 March 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 2 February 2023 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 practice 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 advisor.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive to people’s needs?
- 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 clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. However, records within the practice showed the ultrasonic cleaner has been regularly failing its soil tests. This needed further investigation.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Most of the appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information. However, the use of closed-circuit television within the practice had not been risk assessed, and the necessary protocols had not been completed.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Hall & Purchase is in New Ollerton and provides NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located on the first floor and is accessed by a flight of stairs. Should patients with restricted mobility be unable to climb the stairs, they would be seen at the sister practice in Warsop. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team includes 3 dentists, 5 dental nurses (including 3 trainee dental nurses), a receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has 3 treatment rooms which are all on the first floor.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 5:15pm
Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement a system to ensure patient referrals to other dental or health care professionals are made by the dentist who is treating that particular patient.
- Implement protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.
- Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance to ensure all equipment is well maintained. In particular take steps to ensure the ultrasonic cleaner is working correctly.
- Implement an effective system for monitoring and recording the fridge temperature to ensure that medicines and dental care products are being stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.