Houston - Weston super Mare

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 19 April 2022 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 three specialist dental advisers.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment,

we usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• 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 to be visibly 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 help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• Improvements could be made to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health file.
• 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.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and 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 information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has 16 practices and this report is about Houston - Weston super Mare.

Houston - Weston super Mare is in Weston super Mare and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level 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 has made several adjustments to support patients with additional needs, including ramps, car parking and wheelchair accessible toilets.

The dental team includes 19 dentists, 15 dental nurses, 11 trainee dental nurses, a dental hygienist, three dental therapists, 20 receptionists, two practice managers and four support staff. The practice has 33 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 15 dentists, 12 dental nurses, seven trainee dental nurses, three dental therapists, a dental hygienist, 12 receptionists, three support staff, two compliance leads, an HR manager and the area manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• Monday 9am to 5.30pm
• Tuesday 9am to 5.30pm
• Wednesday 9am to 5.30pm
• Thursday 9am to 5.30pm
• Friday 9am to 5.30pm

We noted innovative approaches to providing person centred care. For example, each dentist had a dedicated reception desk.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, cardboard was recycled, and stock levels were monitored to reduce unnecessary wastage to ensure nothing was wasted.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are stored securely.