Archived: Dr Andrew Harvey - New Chapel Street

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 30 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 practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and most life-saving equipment was available.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff understood 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.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• Processes were in place to deal with complaints positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

Dr Andrew Harvey – New Chapel Street is in Blackburn, Lancashire and provides largely NHS and some private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

Car parking spaces are available in the roads near the practice.

The dental team includes a dentist and 4 dental nurses. The practice has 1 treatment room.

During the inspection we spoke with the dentist and 3 dental nurses. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.

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

• Improve the practice’s 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’. In particular, by ensuring the ventilation system is in working order.

• Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.