Updated 5 December 2022
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 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 was visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Medicines and life-saving equipment were available although some recommended items were not present.
- 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 in place; we saw instances where these were not always followed.
- 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 improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Systems were in place to manage complaints positively and efficiently.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
King Street Dental Surgery is in Blackpool, Lancashire and provides NHS care and treatment for adults and children. The practice was a designated urgent care centre at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, for referral of patients who had been unable to access NHS treatment at their local dental practices. The practice has continued this work, to ensure that patients receive urgent treatment they have been otherwise unable to access.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice is temporarily situated in portakabins which have been fully adapted for use as dental treatment rooms, whilst a new, purpose built facility is being made ready. The practice staff believe the new building will be ready for use in January 2023.
The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs, for example, there are wide corridors to accommodate wheelchair and mobility aid users, and a fully accessible toilet.
The dental team includes 12 dentists, 19 dental nurses, one of whom is a trainee, 1 dental hygienist, 2 dental therapists, 4 receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has 13 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, a receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care. For example, in relation to thermic control of legionella, access to records as required by the regulator, the effective checks on emergency equipment and medicines and in the completion of audits.