The Wrekenton Dental Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance. Whilst there are issues to be addressed, the impact of our concerns relates to the governance and the oversight of the risks, rather than a patient safety risk.

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

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice had some processes to identify and manage risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. Some issues were highlighted on the day with the emergency equipment and medicines. The system for checking the medical emergency kit was not working effectively. Multiple items of the equipment and one of the emergency medicines in the first aid kit had passed their expiry date. The provider took immediate action and obtained the medicine on the day of assessment, and new equipment was ordered and delivered the next day. A new system for checking the kit was also put in place to mitigate risk going forward. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year. The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. However, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessments and sharps risk assessment were not sufficiently detailed, and material safety data sheets were not available for all COSHH items. The practice did assure us that these would be updated and implemented as soon as possible. We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions. The management of fire safety was mostly effective,weekly fire alarm checks were completed and fire exits were clear and well signposted. Staff had fire safety training and had done fire drills periodically. However, there was not an up-to-date fixed electrical wiring report or a gas safety record for the boiler and weekly checks for fire alarms. These were both booked at the assessment, and the practice also booked an external fire risk assessment to ensure they could mitigate any risks going forward. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and a log was in place to monitor and track their use.

The practice did not have a recruitment policy. However, they did follow procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover. Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were always sufficient levels of staff on duty. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice had arrangements to ensure staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general well-being and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, and ongoing informal discussions.

Staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes. We observed use of personal protective equipment and the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste. The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.