Updated 10 November 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 5 October 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 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 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.
- 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. We noted improvements could be made to the auditing protocols to ensure, where appropriate, clear action plans were created to drive 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.
- Improvements were needed to ensure all equipment was serviced and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements could be made to the stock control protocols for managing medicines stored on site, to ensure they can be accounted for.
Background
Gosforth Dental Surgery is in Gosforth in Newcastle Upon Tyne and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice is close to local transport routes and 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. For example, the availability of a hearing induction loop and information in large print.
The dental team includes 2 specialist dentists (endodontics and prosthodontics), 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists, 1 receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse 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 Friday from 9am to 5pm
Saturday by appointment only
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance and ensure that all equipment is well maintained. In particular ensuring the annual gas safety assessment is carried out and the X-ray equipment is serviced and maintained according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Take action to improve audits to ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points, actions and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
- Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed of safely and securely.