Updated 6 February 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 17 January 2013 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 adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we ask five key questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive?
- Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic was 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.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- 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.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt 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 effective information governance arrangements.
Background
Weston Orthodontic Centre Ltd is in Weston Super Mare and provides NHS and private dental orthodontic care and treatment for adults and children. The practice went into partnership with a corporate provider in 2021.
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 reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional access requirements. These include:
- A wheelchair accessible toilet.
- Hearing loop
- Reading aids
- Step free access
- A ground floor surgery
The dental team includes 3 orthodontists, 8 dental nurses, 3 orthodontic therapists, 2 reception staff and a practice manager.
The practice has 5 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with an orthodontic specialist, 2 dental nurses, a dental therapist, a receptionist and the practice manager.
We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
- Monday 9.00am to 5.00pm
- Tuesday 9.00am to 5.00pm
- Wednesday 9.00am to 7.30pm
- Thursday 8.00am to 3.30pm
- Friday 8.00am to 3.30pm
The practice closes for lunch between 1pm and 2pm Mondays to Wednesday and 12pm to 12.30pm on Thursday and Friday.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Review the current performance review systems in place and have an effective process established for the on-going assessment and supervision of all staff.
- Review the practice’s protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) taking into account guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
- Review current systems to ensure immunity tor Hepatitis B is checked after the completion of a primary course of vaccination for all clinical staff.