The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Abbey D Surgery Limited

5 Sheffield Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3EG (01753) 536601

Provided and run by:
Abbey D. Surgery Ltd

All Inspections

15 February 2024

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 15 February 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 available.
  • 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’ 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.
  • The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. We found minor shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to environmental cleaning equipment storage and the protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras.

Background

Abbey D Surgery Ltd is in Slough 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 8 dentists, 1 foundation dentist, 1 oral surgeon, 7 qualified dental nurses, 5 student dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 foundation therapist, 2 practice managers and 2 receptionists. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 4 dentists, 1 oral surgeon, 2 dental nurses, a dental hygienist, receptionist and both practice managers.

We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

  • 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday
  • 8am to 12pm Saturday

There were areas where the provider could make improvements.

They should:

  • Improve the practice protocols to ensure private patient referrals to other dental or health care professionals are centrally monitored to ensure they are received in a timely manner and not lost.
  • Implement protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.
  • Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular management of COSHH applicable products.

We have since received evidence to confirm all of these shrtfalls have been addressed.

24 July 2013

During a routine inspection

People told us they were provided with all the information they needed about their treatment. They said they felt fully involved and were able to make an informed decision without any undue pressure. We were told people did not have any problem in making appointments at a time convenient to them. All of the people we spoke with were very positive about the standard of care they received. One person told us they had been abroad for a period and came back to this practice; "Because I know them and they know me."

We found patient records included medical histories which were updated following each visit. Full details of any treatment provided was recorded. This meant records included details of any health conditions and their potential implications for the provision of dental care.

We found there were robust infection control procedures in place which were being followed. Records were kept to support this. We saw records which showed dental equipment had been properly maintained and serviced to ensure it was effective and safe.

Staff told us they were supported in their work. They said they were encouraged to undertake appropriate training. People who used the practice told us staff were efficient and polite.

We found the provider asked people to comment about the service they received. Where any areas for improvement were identified, action had been taken to address them where this was possible.