Updated 10 May 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 17 April 2024 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 second CQC inspector and 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. All appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment, and the premises. However, we noted outstanding actions yet to be completed from the health and safety, and fire risk assessments.
- 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. However, these were not consistently followed.
- 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
Darwen Orthodontics is in Darwen and provides NHS and private orthodontic care and treatment for adults and children.
There is ramp 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 2 specialist orthodontists, 1 dentist, 1 orthodontic therapist, 3 qualified dental nurses, 1 receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 specialist orthodontist, 1 orthodontic therapist, 2 qualified dental nurses, the area manager, 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 5.30pm
Friday from 8.30am to 4pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's risk management systems for monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the carrying on of the regulated activities. In particular, implementing any recommendations in the health and safety, and fire safety risk assessments and ensure ongoing safety management is effective.
- Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.