Linthwaite Dental Health Centre

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 highlighted only minor issues or omissions. Staff were open to discussion and feedback and assurances were given these would be 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, we highlighted the fire risk assessment should be updated to reflect the recent changes and improvements made to the premises.

There were effective processes for staff to report incidents and accidents, the documentation of these should be improved to evidence the investigation processes, and any resulting learning.

We saw there were systems 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. The manager had created a handbook to introduce new trainees to useful information about dental procedures and practice protocols, to support their introduction to working in the profession and the practice.

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. During meetings, staff participated in quizzes, so the practice were assured that staff understood their induction, or any new policy updates or processes.

Feedback from patients, the public and external partners was collected to which the practice responded. For example, they put children’s toys back in the waiting area in response to patient feedback.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, reducing paper by using digital systems and recycling waste where possible.

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.