• Dentist
  • Dentist

Northwood Hills Dental Practice

141 Pinner Road, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 1DB (01923) 823148

Provided and run by:
Dr. Janita Patel

Report from 24 September 2024 assessment

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Well-led

Regulations met

Updated 15 November 2024

We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

Shared direction and culture

Regulations met

The judgement for Shared direction and culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders

Regulations met

The judgement for Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

Freedom to speak up

Regulations met

The judgement for Freedom to speak up is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion

Regulations met

The judgement for Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

Governance, management and sustainability

Regulations met

The practice had a governance system that included policies and procedures, which were accessible to staff and were reviewed on a regular basis. As part of the practice’s quality assurance programme, the practice was also a member of a good practice certification scheme . Systems and processes were embedded. Where the assessment highlighted minor omissions, areas requiring improvement were acted on immediately. Staff were aware of the importance of protecting patients’ personal information. Staff password protected electronic care records, and paper records were stored securely and complied with General Data Protection Regulations. There were effective processes for identifying and managing risks, investigating incidents and accidents, and for receiving and acting on safety alerts. Staff told us there was a ‘no blame culture’ and any mistakes were used to support development and learning. The practice completed audits in radiography, record keeping, oral cancer and infection, prevention and control. Improvements were required to ensure mandatory audits were repeated at intervals recommended by national guidance. The inspection team were informed that the practice had no recent complaints. There were processes in place to enable the practice to respond to concerns and complaints appropriately. Outcomes would be discussed to share learning and look for improvement.

We noted innovative approaches to providing person centred care. For example, all treatment rooms had oral hygiene stations, and the service had developed practice information leaflets to help further educate patients about preventing dental disease. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. Staff had clear responsibilities, and systems of accountability to support good governance. Staff feedback was obtained through meetings and informal discussions. They were encouraged to offer suggestions for improvements to the service, and they said these were listened to and acted upon, where appropriate. One staff member told us, ‘I am encouraged to share ideas and opinions and participate in decision making and discussions about any changes that impact the practice’s growth and development.’. Feedback from patients, the public and external partners was collected and responded to. The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. One staff member told us that to recycle instrument pouches, they ensured they were only opened with non-contaminated hands or gloves. In addition, they minimised general waste production through careful inventory management.

Partnerships and communities

Regulations met

The judgement for Partnerships and communities is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

Learning, improvement and innovation

Regulations met

The judgement for Learning, improvement and innovation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.