Orthoworld 2000 Northampton

We carried out this announced focused inspection on Orthoworld 2000 Northampton 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 dental clinic was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which generally reflected published guidance. Although staff were not always checking instruments under the illuminated magnifier when completing manual cleaning.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• 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. However, evidence was not available to demonstrate that all staff had completed training to the required level in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
• 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.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team. Staff praised the management and support provided by head office.
• Staff were asked for feedback about the services provided. Patient surveys were to be reintroduced in the near future.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has 584 practices and this report is about Orthoworld 2000 Northampton.

Orthoworld 2000, Northampton is in Northampton and provides NHS and private orthodontic care and treatment for adults and children.

There are three small steps to gain access to the practice. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes one specialist orthodontist, one dentist, three dental nurses, one orthodontic therapist, a practice manager and a receptionist. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, one dental nurse, a receptionist and the practice manager. A Compliance Regulatory Manager and the Orthodontic Development Manager from head office were also in attendance providing support as required. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday from 8.45am to 6pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8.45am to 5.30pm and Friday from 8.45am to 4.30pm.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice had a Green Policy for environmental sustainability which was on display in the staff kitchen. The practice encouraged staff to recycle items and tried to limit the use of paper records as much as possible.

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

• Take action to ensure that all the staff have received training, to an appropriate level, in the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

• Take action to ensure audits of radiography and patient records are undertaken at regular intervals for each clinician to improve the quality of the service. Practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.