The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Archived: Robinspool Dental Practice

265 Reading Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5AG (0118) 978 6703

Provided and run by:
Dr. Paul Nolan

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

22 August 2014

During an inspection looking at part of the service

When we visited the practice on 28 February 2014, we found the patients were not protected from the risk of infection because appropriate guidance had not always been followed. The practice did not have effective systems in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of patients who used the service and others. We set a compliance action in respect of this. We received an action plan which set out what actions were to be taken, to achieve compliance.

During this inspection we found the practice had taken effective action and achieved compliance. The practice now had robust systems in place to ensure the risk of cross infection was minimised. We saw that water systems were checked for Legionella, which is a bacteria risk in water or cooling systems. There was an up to date risk assessment in place to show that this had been carried out. We found the machines used for the sterilisation and cleaning of equipment were regularly checked and serviced. A comprehensive cleaning schedule was in place with clear responsibilities outlined, which covered all areas of the premises.

We reviewed a number of policies and procedures, which included the infection control and complaints procedures. The policies were dated and a review date was recorded. The complaints procedure had been displayed in the waiting room. One of the dentists was responsible for ensuring any relevant professional standards and guidance was shared with the team. The practice had reviewed and discussed all complaints and accidents and incidents and learning was shared with the team. We saw evidence the practice had completed various audits and used the findings to improve the quality of the service provided to patients.

28 February 2014

During a routine inspection

During our visit to Robinspool dental practice we met with the provider. We spoke with three members of staff. We spoke with four patients and looked at four patient records.

All of the patients we spoke with were very happy with the dental treatment they received. One said it was 'excellent'. Another patient said 'he [the dentist] particularly does make a great emphasis on explaining what is happening and why. He says 'I'll show you' and uses the mirror and draws sketches'. A further patient said 'I was a bit scared, but she [the dentist] has reassured me. She really inspires confidence'.

Patients we spoke with told us the practice was always clean and tidy. However, the practice did not always operate processes and follow procedures that minimised the risk and spread of infection. We found that practice policies and department of health guidance was not always followed.

Staff told us they were supported to carry out their roles. We saw that staff received training specific to their job.

The practice had systems in place to seek and act on patient feedback. However, the practice did not have systems in place to regularly identify, assess and manage risks relating to the health safety and welfare of patients or to regularly assess and monitor the clinical quality of their work.