Dentist left ‘unsafe’ clinical waste near kids’ play equipment
CLINICAL waste was left near children’s play equipment at a dentist in Rugby branded unsafe by health watchdogs.
Polmedics Ltd in Lower Hillmorton Road was inspected by the Care Quality Commission in December last year.
A report released last week stated that the practice “did not meet standards” in all key areas under review – these were how safe the service was, how well-led it was, how effective it was and responsive services were.
The unannounced inspection was carried out after “serious concerns” were raised about two of Polmedics Ltd other surgeries in the West Midlands.
Following the inspection, the practice took actions to close until January 31, 2017. The report found: Clinical waste was stored in a shared garden near children’s play equipment. The lock on the bin was broken and a bin inside contained used sharps. Staff arranged for the lock to be replaced during the inspection.
Patient records were mainly written in Polish with some records being illegible, not containing full, detailed information or not being appropriately signed. The surgery had already been made aware of inspectorate concerns over legibility and language used.
Concerns were raised over the storage of patient records. They were stored in a consulting room which was not lockable and was accessible from the patient waiting area. Inspectors also noted that key had been left in the filing cabinets.
Patients weren’t receiving any pathology test reports in a “timely manner”.
The practice didn’t have some emergency resuscitation equipment, like selfinflating bags and portable suction devices, and the automated external defibrillator did not have a battery installed which would have delayed attempts to restore a normal heartbeat.
Not all staff had up to date training, like annual basic life support or infection control handwash technique training. The dental provider hadn’t made checks to ensure all the relevant insurances were in place. A checklist indicated that daily checks of the sterilisation equipment were being made, even though staff were unclear on how to perform the test. The practice didn’t offer a translator to patients. The report highlighted that “most patients and staff were Polish and so the practice did not feel there was a need for interpreter services”. The practice closed on short notice if it was deemed there was “no demand for appointments”. There were also concerns over the training process for staff and a lack of evidence to assure inspectors of “who was employed and scheduled to work at this location”. Staff were recruited through word of mouth, with many residing in Poland and travelling to the UK to complete their shifts before returning home. The report highlighted that criminal background checks or registration checks hadn’t been made and inoculation records for staff were not properly kept.
Concern was also raised that staff weren’t being supported through formal clinical supervision or mentorship and no formal appraisals were taking place.
Inspectors said: “We found that this service was not providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations”.
Despite the criticism, the surgery was praised for keeping the dental treatment rooms, patient waiting area, reception area and patient toilets were visibly clean.
Over a dozen improvement points were raised by the CQC which the provider must adhere to. These included reviewing staff training and record keeping.
Dr Janet Williamson, deputy chief inspector of General Practice & Dentistry, said: “If we find that a dental practice is failing to meet the required standard – we will expect them to provide us with a full plan setting out how they will address the issue, and we will return to check that they have made the required improvements.”
Polmedics Ltd have been contacted for comment.