Eastfield House Specialist Orthodontic Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 28 February 2023 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 always 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 and 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 practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.

Background

Eastfield House Specialist Orthodontic Practice is in Peterborough and provides both NHS and private orthodontic care and treatment for adults and children. The practice is part of Portman Healthcare Limited, who operate a number of dental practices across the UK.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs. There is ramp access to the premises for people who use wheelchairs and downstairs treatment rooms. However, there is not a fully accessible toilet. There is a dedicated parking space for people with disabilities directly outside the building.

The dental team includes 1 orthodontist, 1 orthodontic therapist, 5 dental nurses, a practice manager, an interim practice manager, a receptionist and a treatment co-ordinator. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the practice managers, a quality lead, the orthodontic therapist, 2 dental nurses and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open on Mondays from 8.30am to 7.30pm; on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8am to 6pm and on Wednesdays from 8am to 7.30pm.