Dr Sai Gathani

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 18 August 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. There was damage to floors in one treatment room.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies Appropriate life-saving equipment was not always available.
• The practice systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff were not robust or effective. Specifically, servicing of equipment including radiography, fire safety and legionella management.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Staff recruitment procedures did not reflect current legislation.
• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
• 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.
• Effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement were not in place.
• 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 dental clinic had some information governance arrangements.

Background

Dr Sai Gathani is in Westcliff-on-sea Essex and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free 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 reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 1 dentist, 3 dental nurses ( including the practice manager and a trainee dental nurse), 1 dental hygienist and 1 receptionist. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse who is also the practice manager and 1 receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 6pm.

Wednesday from 9am to 5pm.

Friday from 9am to 1pm.

We identified regulations the provider is not complying with. They must:

• Ensure care and treatment is provided in a safe way to patients.
• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.

Full details of the regulation/s the provider was/is not meeting are at the end of this report.

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 oversight of repairs to damaged floors.