Laindon Health Centre

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 18 January 2024 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.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were not always available. The practice took immediate action to replace missing items.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment. We found shortfalls in the systems to manage risks within the premises. The practice took immediate action to mitigate these risks.
• 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

The Laindon Health Centre Dental Practice is located in The Laindon NHS Health Centre in Laindon, Basildon, Essex and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, the practice manager (who was a qualified dental nurse) and 2 receptionists. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 receptionists and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

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

• Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises and ensure all areas are fit for the purpose for which they are being used. In particular, ensure any risks and actions highlighted in the Legionella risk assessment and electrical installation condition report have been mitigated and the premises are safe for use.
• Take action to ensure the availability of medicines in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the British National Formulary and the General Dental Council.
• Improve the practice protocols regarding auditing patient dental care records to check that necessary information is recorded. In addition, implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.