Updated 22 January 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 23 November 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 did not always reflect published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available, but these were not always in date or stored appropriately.
- The practice had some systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises but others required prompt review.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which 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.
- Leadership at the practice required review to ensure there was 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 processes required improvement.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Bursledon Dental Clinic is in Bursledon, Southampton and provides private dental care and treatment for adults.
There is a ramp available to provide step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice had made some reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, and 1 receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, and 1 receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00
First Saturday of the month 09:00 - 12:00
The practice is closed for lunch between 13:00 – 14:00
We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:
- Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.
- Ensure persons employed in the provision of the regulated activity receive the appropriate support, training, professional development, supervision and appraisal necessary to enable them to carry out their duties.
- Ensure specified information is available regarding each person employed.
Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are at the end of this report.