Updated 29 June 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 6 June 2023 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.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
- 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.
- Improvements could be made to ensure NHS prescriptions are tracked and monitored.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Improvements could be made to ensure the recording of verbal consent in patient care records.
- 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.
Background
Thompson and Thomas @ Fairlawns is in Sheffield and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located on the first floor of a medical facility. There is step free, and lift access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available within the grounds of the medical facility. The dental practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 6 dentists (1 of whom is a foundation dentist), 7 dental nurses (2 of whom are trainees) and a practice manager. Dental nurses cover reception duties on rotation. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday and Tuesday 8.30am to 5.30pm, Wednesday 8.30am to 4.30pm, Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 4pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability by recycling cardboard and reducing energy consumption where possible.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the security of NHS prescriptions to ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.
- Improve the practice's policies and procedures for recording verbal consent to care and treatment to ensure they are in compliance with legislation, take into account relevant guidance, and staff follow them.