Updated 18 July 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 28 June 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 appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. Improvements should be made to the process for testing the ultrasonic bath to ensure it is in line with manufacturers guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The provider had information governance arrangements.
Background
Saltaire Orthodontics is in Saltaire and only provides orthodontic care and treatment for adults and children.
Currently the practice is not fully accessible for wheelchair and pushchair users. Improvements are in progress and planned for completion by the end of July 2022 which will enable accessibility by wheelchair and pushchair users.
Car parking spaces are available on the street outside the practice and a nearby car park.
The dental team includes, two orthodontists, two dentists with special interests in orthodontics, four dental nurses, an orthodontic therapist, a deputy practice manager, a practice manager and a receptionist.
During the inspection we spoke with one orthodontist, one orthodontic therapist, two dental nurses, the practice manager, the deputy practice manager and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 5pm
Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 6.30pm
Saturday from 8am tp 12pm