03/05/2023
During a routine inspection
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 3 May 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. Systems to audit infection control should be reviewed.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Action was needed to ensure appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. This was addressed immediately.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Improvements could be made to the sharps risk assessment.
- 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.
- 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
Kirkheaton Dental Surgery is in the village of Kirkheaton, Huddersfield and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the reception and treatment room for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The toilet is not generally available to patients, but staff accommodate requests to use the staff facilities if required. This is on the first floor and is not accessible to wheelchair users. On street parking is available near the practice.
The dental team includes 2 part-time dentists, 4 dental nurses, 2 part-time dental therapists, 1 receptionist and 1 administrator who supports the principal with the management of the practice. The practice has 1 treatment room.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 1 dental nurse, 1 dental therapist, and the administrator. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday and Thursday 9am to 5.30pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK).
- Improve the systems to audit infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance’.