Bridge House Dental Practice in Market Deeping issued with requirement notice by Care Quality Commission
A dental practice has been issued with a requirement notice after the health watchdog found it was “not providing well-led care”.
Bridge House in Market Deeping failed just one of the five categories it was inspected on but this was enough for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to demand action.
The practice was deemed to be up to scratch in terms of safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and care, but missed the mark in relation to leadership.
The latest inspectors’ report, published in December, states: “We found that this practice was not providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
“We have told the provider to take action. We will be following up on our concerns to ensure they have been put right.”
In response, practice manager Rachael Hunns told the Mercury the issues raised had now been addressed.
She said: “I can confirm Bridge House Dental Practice have implemented the changes requested by the CQC and we very much welcome a further visit by them in the very near future.”
During the inspection the team spoke to one dentist and two dental nurses, including the practice manager.
It also examined practice policies and procedures, patient feedback and other records about how the service is managed before passing judgment.
“The dentists had capacity and skills to deliver clinical care for patients,” the inspectors wrote in their report.
“However, we found a significant number of improvements could be made to improve the service and ensure that all risks were identified and suitably managed.”
Among the issues identified, the system of clinical governance - which includes policies, protocols and procedures - was said to require immediate review.
Furthermore, a basic fire risk assessment had been undertaken by a member of staff who had not been trained to complete it.
Some issues had been raised but not acted upon by the practice owner, such as X-ray plates that needed replacing and some staff who did not have their immunity levels to Hepatitis B recorded.
The report continues: “Following our visit, we noted that staff were making efforts to rectify some of the shortfalls we identified. This included obtaining replacement X-ray plates to improve the quality of images and purchasing glucagon to ensure staff could respond to a medical emergency, if this may be required.”
The practice, on Lincoln Road, provides NHS and private dental treatment to adults and children. The team includes two dentists, one dental hygienist and three dental nurses, one of whom
also undertakes the role of practice manager.
The CQC said the practice was clean and well-maintained with staff always treating patients with dignity and respect.
Click here to read more of the latest news
