Acton 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.

Systems and processes were mostly embedded, and the inspection did not highlight any significant issues or omissions. The provider was responsive to issues raised relating to regular equipment maintenance, fire safety and auditing processes. 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.

Relevant policies and protocols were in place for the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV). However, a data protection impact assessment had not been carried out to risk assess the use of CCTV. We received a completed assessment shortly after the inspection.

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 including undertaking audits according to recognised guidance.However, these systems were not always effective. The practice should ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.

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, 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. For example, the provider has introduced more flexible working patterns to promote staff wellbeing. A messaging system was introduced to alert patients of available appointments due to cancellations, reducing the number of wasted appointments.

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners, and responded accordingly. For example, the provider extended examination appointments from 30 to 60 minutes to enable more time for discussion about procedures and treatment options.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, adopting a digital workflow to reduce paper waste, and switching off lights and equipment when not in use.

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.