Updated 26 May 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 4 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:
Delete as appropriate:
• 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 reflected published guidance.
- 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. We identified some areas for further attention within the practice and these were discussed with the provider on the inspection day.
- Safeguarding processes were in place. Although staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, some further training was required in relation to children not brought to oral health appointments.
- 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.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership; we identified and discussed with the provider how continuous improvement could be supported by clinical supervision and oversight.
- Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Parr Dental Surgery is in St Helens, Merseyside and provides NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs, for example by providing step free access to a ground floor treatment room and an accessible toilet on the ground floor.
The dental team includes one associate dentist, two dental nurses, one of whom is a trainee, and a practice manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist and the practice manager. The area compliance manager and one of the business owner’s was also available for us to speak with. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular
- That policies, including those for safeguarding and whistleblowing are accurate, up to date and contain the correct information on contacts for external bodies staff will need to contact.
- That an effective system of clinical supervision and oversight is in place, particularly for the associate dentist at the practice.
- That systems and processes for sharing medicines alerts, clinical guidance and other updates are working effectively.
- That clear signage in relation to medical gases held on the premises is in place.