Hebden Bridge Dental Care

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.

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 processes to identify and manage risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and the reporting of risks was encouraged. Emergency equipment and medicines were available in accordance with national guidance, and staff could access these in a timely way. Appropriate checking processes were in place. However, these had not highlighted that the fridge temperature where the Glucagon (which is required in the event of severe low blood sugar) was stored had gone out of the accepted range, meaning the expiry date should be reduced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. We signposted the provider to guidance to support them to review this and ensure appropriate storage going forward. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year. Staff providing treatment to patients under sedation had also completed immediate life support training. Staff were encouraged to participate in medical emergency scenario training. The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions. The management of fire safety was effective, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. The practice had systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures to help them employ suitable staff that reflected relevant legislation and included agency or locum staff. They also ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover. However, DBS checks were not consistently carried out at the point of employment and evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B was not available for 3 clinical staff members. The manager confirmed this would be immediately addressed. The practice should implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice. Newly appointed staff had a structured induction. The provider ensured clinical staff completed continuing professional development required for their registration with the General Dental Council. The practice had arrangements to ensure staff training was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. There were also effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient staffing levels. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice. Staff discussed their training needs during annual appraisals, 1 to 1 meetings, during clinical supervision, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions. They also discussed learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance. This included procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment. We highlighted a recommendation that the shower and lesser used outlets should be flushed weekly. The practice had cleaning procedures and schedules to ensure effective cleaning. We observed the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance. We highlighted that staff should have a temperature probe to ensure the manual cleaning detergent is at the correct temperature. Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes. The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions. We saw, and staff confirmed that single use items were not reprocessed. We highlighted the practice should ensure they have arrangements for staff to access occupational health advice in the event of a sharps injury. Staff followed infection control principles, including the use of personal protective equipment , and safely segregated and disposed of hazardous waste. 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.