When we visited the service on 21 June 2013, we had concerns about how this standard was being managed. This was because the full range of required recruitment checks had not been carried out. This placed patients at risk of harm. We set a compliance action for the provider to improve practice.

We returned to the service on 30 August 2013 to check whether improvements had been made. We found the provider had taken action to ensure shortfalls had been addressed in meeting the regulations. This included obtaining up to date Disclosure and Barring Service checks for staff and ensuring any verbal references were now supported in writing.

We saw the provider had produced a checklist for any future recruitment. This would help ensure appropriate checks were undertaken before staff began work at the surgery.

We were satisfied the provider had taken sufficient action to become compliant with this standard.

We spoke with four people who had received treatment on the day of our visit. Each person was satisfied with the service they had received. One person told us “I’m quite happy with everything they do.” No one had any concerns about the practice. People told us staff were friendly and helpful. They said they were able to arrange appointments easily. People said they were given options for their treatment and costs were explained to them. One person told us “Although I’m an NHS patient, they always tell me what the private options are as well so I can make a choice.”

We found there were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. Staff had received training in infection control practice. There were infection control policies and procedures to provide staff with guidance on good practice. Thorough decontamination processes were used to ensure instruments were cleaned hygienically after use.

We found weaknesses in the recruitment and selection processes used at the surgery. The full range of required checks had not been undertaken for new staff. This placed people at risk of harm.