Poole Orthodontics Ltd

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. The provider had made improvements in relation to the regulatory breaches we found at our inspection on 23 January 2024.

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.

At the inspection on 20 August 2024 we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations: Staff and leaders told us of the ongoing improvements to the systems in place to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises; For example, staff told us that a new fire risk assessment had been completed by an external company and improvements were made to the fire plan and the processes of checking the equipment and maintaining the logs of these, responsibility for which is shared amongst the small team. They also told us that the actions detailed in the Legionella risk assessment had now been completed and water temperatures were being recorded regularly in line with guidance. We noted that temperatures had on occasion been recorded outside of the recommended range. Leaders told us they were aware of this and identified it was likely user error in completion of the log and they would take steps to ensure this was monitored effectively.

At the inspection on 20 August 2024 we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations: We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions. The premises were clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely.

At the inspection on 20 August 2024 we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations: Checks of the fire safety equipment, including the fire alarm system and the emergency lighting system, were being carried out at the appropriate intervals and recorded consistently; in line with guidance. Fire drills were being conducted 6 monthly, with the length of time, attendees and any actions recorded. All staff had now completed fire training. All recommended medical emergency medicines and equipment were present and being checked weekly in line with guidance. Temperature checks of the fridge used to store medical equipment were being recorded daily. There was an effective system in place to ensure expired or used medical emergency medications were replaced. The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available. Improvements were still underway to the practice’s systems to assess, monitor and manage risks to patient and staff safety. Sharps safety and lone working risk assessments were under review and being updated to reflect current practice. A system had been introduced to ensure that staff had received the appropriate vaccinations for Hepatitis B.

At the inspection on 20 August 2024 we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations: The recruitment process has been reviewed and improved to align with guidance. Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles; and had improved understanding of their responsibilities. However, staff told us that there were insufficient staffing levels due to there not being a receptionist or manager in place. The practice was actively recruiting to address this.

At the inspection on 20 August 2024 we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations: The practice had ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover. They had also ensured clinical staff had received appropriate vaccinations and evidence of immunity levels was available. It was identified that 1 staff member required a risk assessment due to their low response to the vaccination. The practice had made improvements to their arrangements to ensure staff training was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. This is now tracked effectively so that training needs can be identified.

At the inspection on 20 August 2024 we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations: Infection prevention and control audits, and surgery checklists were now being completed consistently and accurately. Cleaning schedules were in place, however staff told us they were aware that improvement was needed to ensure these are completed consistently going forward

At the inspection on 20 August 2024 we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations: Cleaning materials were now being stored in-line with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) guidance, although further improvements were underway to ensure the information held for these was more readily available. The practice was clean and tidy. Floors and surfaces in surgeries were intact. Decontamination processes were being carried out effectively. Decontaminated, wrapped instruments were now stored safely.

At the inspection on 20 August 2024 we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations: Orthodontic appliances were now being disinfected on return from the laboratory and a log was in place to evidence this. Systems and processes in place to reduce the risk of Legionella and other bacteria developing in the water system had been reviewed and there were ongoing improvements to the logs of water temperatures.

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