Florence Nightingale Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on Florence Nightingale Dental Practice 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 reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available with some exceptions. Missing items were ordered during our inspection.
• Some systems were in place to help manage risk to patients and staff. However, not all issues had been identified.
• 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.
• 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 and a culture of continuous improvement.
• 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

The provider has two practices and this report is about Florence Nightingale Dental Practice, Harlow.

Florence Nightingale Dental Practice is in Harlow, Essex and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access and a lift to the first floor where the practice is located, for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available in a car park directly outside the practice. The practice is located in a local health centre and has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes five dentists, seven dental nurses (including one trainee dental nurse), three dental hygienists and one practice manager. The practice has four treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with three dentists, two dental nurses, one receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm.

Friday from 8am to 4pm.

Saturday from 9am to 4.30pm.

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

• Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises and ensure all areas are fit for the purpose for which they are being used. In particular, ensure five yearly electrical fixed wire testing is undertaken and ensure patients privacy is maintained in treatment rooms.
• Improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.