The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Albany Dental Care

Ansdell Medical Centre, Albany Road, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 4GW (01253) 957280

Provided and run by:
Albany Dental Care

All Inspections

16/08/2023

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 16 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

Albany Dental Care is in Lytham St Annes and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is based within a medical centre. There is step free access 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 has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and 1 practice manager. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 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 to Thursday from 8:30am to 5pm

Friday from 8:30am to 1pm

2 February 2012

During a routine inspection

This is a busy surgery, with both dentist practitioners carrying out treatments throughout the site inspection. However, we did speak to a range of people about the service. They included, the practice manager, staff and patients waiting for treatment. This helped us to gain a balanced overview of what people experience using the practice.

We asked some people waiting for treatment to talk to us about their experiences using the service. They were very positive about the way they were treated by staff, and were happy with the care and support shown to them during the course of their treatment. Comments from patients included, "I have been coming here since it opened, its always been very good." Also, "They are very good at making me feel comfortable and less anxious."

People we spoke to felt they were given enough information about their treatment options. They were kept informed about how their treatment was progressing throughout the process. One patient said, "The dentist talks me through everything so I know what's going on." The practice manager told us, "It is important to keep the patient informed at all points of treatment." Patients told us they found all staff to be friendly and reported that they were treated with respect and dignity.

None of the people we spoke with had any concerns about the standard of care and treatment they were receiving. People told us that they would be comfortable in raising any concerns they may have.