Blake Dental

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 overseen by an empowered lead nurse and supportive practice management team that included policies and procedures, which were accessible to staff and were reviewed on a regular basis.

Systems and processes were embedded and where the inspection highlighted any issues or omissions, these 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 (GDPR). Electronic tablets were used to store signed documents electronically in patient records, this helped to improve data security.

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. The practice had identified the presenting needs of the local demographic and developed an in-house oral health promotion programme for children. Events such as themed children’s days, with staff in fancy dress and games, focused on preventing dental decay linked to high-sugar diets during religious festivals. In addition, the provider would often attend local schools to promote oral health education and encourage good diet and prevention of dental decay.

Staff had clear responsibilities and systems of accountability to support good governance.

Staff feedback was obtained through meetings, morning huddles, 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. Staff described the recent plans to extend the practice which would include an extended staff room and accessible toilet for patients.

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners and responded accordingly. Patient surveys were undertaken and the practice reviewed and responded to feedback. Staff described how these were discussed at team meetings to drive improvement. There were a selection of Quick Response or QR codes available in the reception area for patients to add their feedback using their mobile phones or digital devices.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. This included recycling toothpaste tubes, cardboard and batteries; encouraging car sharing; using paper cups instead of plastic; and conserving energy by turning heating and lights off when not in use. The practice had been awarded a Bronze Award from Green Impact and continued to work to reduce their impact on the environment.

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.