We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 3 June 2016 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

Fulham Dental Centre is located in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and provides both private and NHS dental services.  The opening hours for the practice are

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.00am -5.30pm and 8.00am -8.00pm Tuesdays and Saturdays by appointment.

The premises consists of three treatment rooms;, two on the upper floor of the building, and one on the 1st floor that was currently not in use,  a decontamination room and a waiting area

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The practice comprises of a principal dentist, one dentist, two hygienists, two dental nurses and a practice manager. 

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual. 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.

During the inspection we reviewed 15 completed CQC comment cards. The patients who provided feedback were 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 professional, friendly and helpful and they were treated with care, dignity and respect.

Our key findings were:

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There were effective processes in place to reduce and minimise the risk and spread of infection.

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Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned in line with best practice guidance such as from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) .Patients were involved in their care and treatment planning.

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There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties and equipment was well maintained.

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Staff were trained in and there was appropriate equipment for them to respond to medical emergencies.

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Patients told us that staff were caring and treated them with dignity and respect.

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Patients indicated that they felt they were listened to and that they received good care from a helpful and caring practice team.

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There were processes in place for patients to give their comments and feedback about the service including making complaints and compliments.

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There were good governance arrangements and an effective management structure.

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

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Review the protocols for obtaining and maintaining accurate, complete and detailed records relating to staff employed for the purpose of carrying on the regulated activities, giving due regard to current legislation and guidance.

·        

Review staff awareness of the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Act as it relates to their role.

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Review the practice’s safeguarding policy and training ensuring it covers both children and adults and all staff are trained to an appropriate level for their role and aware of their responsibilities.

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Review the security of prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to monitor and track their use.

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Review its complaint handling procedures and establish an accessible system for identifying, receiving, recording, handling and responding to complaints by patients.

• Review the storage of dental care products and medicines requiring refrigeration to ensure they are stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance and the fridge temperature is monitored and recorded.

People who use the service said that they were satisfied with the way it was provided. They had the consultation procedure, fees and treatments explained to them, that included any risks attached to treatments. They told us they were treated with dignity and respect by staff and felt safe using the centre.

They did not comment on the practice safeguarding or infection control systems. They did tell us they thought the centre was kept clean, tidy and observed their right to privacy.