Archived: Louise Hunter & Associates

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 10 May 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 adviser.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we usually ask five key questions however, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• 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.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• The dental clinic was visibly clean and well-maintained; however, improvements could be made to the cleaning equipment storage arrangements.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Medicines and life-saving equipment were available as per national guidance with the exception of a couple of items that the provider obtained on the day.
• Improvements were needed to the systems used to help the provider manage risks to patients and staff.
• The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation. However, improvements were needed to ensure important checks were carried out at the time of recruitment.
• The staff carried out some ‘highly recommended’ training as per the General Dental Council professional standards. Improvements were needed to the monitoring system to enable the provider to assure themselves that staff’s training was up-to-date and undertaken at the required intervals.

Background

Louise Hunter & Associates is in Prudhoe in Northumberland and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice does not have step-free access and is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs; however, patients who require accessible services are directed to other local practices. The practice is located near local transport routes, and car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs, for example a member of staff is trained in British Sign Language and patient information is available in large font.

The dental team includes three dentists, five dental nurses, two trainee dental nurses, three dental hygienists, two receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has four treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with three dentists, two 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 from 8am to 5.30pm

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8.30am to 6pm

Fridays from 9am to 5pm

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care

Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are at the end of this report.