We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 12 November 2015 to ask the practice the following key questions; Are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found that this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services effective?

We found that this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services caring?

We found that this practice was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services responsive?

We found that this practice was providing responsive care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services well-led?

We found that this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Background

Alpha Windmill Orthodontic Dental Practice is situated in Acomb, York, North Yorkshire and is a limited company. The treatments, both NHS and private, range from fixed aesthetic braces to clear aligner treatments. The service is provided by four orthodontists who are supported by one orthodontic therapist, five dental nurses and a practice support manager. The practice is located on the ground floor and there are three surgeries, a reception area, a waiting room, a decontamination room, an X-ray room, a patient toilet and a separate accessible toilet. The practice is located close to local amenities and bus services. There is ample parking in the surrounding area.

The practice is open:

Monday – Thursday 08:30 – 17:30

Friday 08:00 – 16:30

The operations manager is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run.

On the day of inspection we received eight CQC comment cards that had been completed by patients. The three patients and their relatives we spoke with were very positive about the care and treatment they received at the practice. They told us they were involved in all aspects of their care and found the staff to be very friendly, kind, caring, understanding and they were always treated with dignity and respect.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had systems to assess and manage risks to patients, including infection prevention and control, health and safety, safeguarding, recruitment and the management of medical emergencies.
• The orthodontist carried out an assessment in line with recognised guidance from the British Orthodontic Society (BOS).
• Patients told us they were treated with kindness and respect by staff. Staff ensured there was sufficient time to explain fully the care and treatment they were providing in a way patients understood.
• Patients were able to make routine and emergency appointments when needed.
• The practice had a complaints system in place and there was an openness and transparency in how these were dealt with.
• There was a clear leadership structure and staff felt supported by management. The practice proactively sought feedback from staff and patients.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and should:

• Review the fire risk assessment and implement a new assessment as soon as possible.