Louise Southworth Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 9 November 2022 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 dental adviser.

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:

• Recent refurbishments and improvements had been made to the premises. The dental clinic was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• 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.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has 37 practices and this report is about Louise Southworth Dental Practice.

Louise Southworth Dental Practice is in Blackburn and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There are steps to access the practice. Wheelchair users are directed to another of the provider’s accessible dental practices nearby. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes 5 dentists, 6 dental nurses (including 2 trainees), 1 dental therapist, 2 patient coordinators and a practice manager. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 patient coordinators, the practice manager and the company’s clinical director. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5:30pm

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability:

• The practice had taken steps to improve the sustainability and longevity of equipment. Staff were provided with dedicated training to ensure they understood the equipment, and how incorrect cleaning, maintenance and care could impair the function and lifespan of these devices. This was followed up with onsite training sessions to reinforce this learning and ensure staff understood and followed the correct procedures.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Improve the practice's waste handling protocols to ensure waste is segregated and disposed of in compliance with the relevant regulations and taking into account the guidance issued in the Health Technical Memorandum 07-01.