Powys: Llanfyllin dental practice inspection results

With a limited number of dental practices in Powys, inspections of existing surgeries within the county are important to potential patients.

Llanfyllin Dental Practice, located in Llansantffraid, was visited by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) for an inspection in July, with the results published in a report last month.

The report provided an overview of the practice’s quality in regards to patient experience, management and leadership as well as the delivery of safe and effective care.

“We found the staff at Llanfyllin Dental Practice were committed to providing a positive experience for their patients," inspectors said.

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“We observed staff treating patients in a polite, friendly, and professional manner both in person and on the telephone.

“All respondents to the HIW questionnaire rated the service as ‘very good’ or ‘good’. Comments included, ‘very helpful and efficient’ and ‘excellent treatment, always informed of appointments, staff excellent’”.

“We found the practice to be well maintained and organised. Dental surgeries were well-equipped and fit for purpose. We found the practice to have clear and effective procedures to ensure that dental instruments were decontaminated and sterilised.

"We found that Llanfyllin Dental Practice had clear lines of accountability, with the principal dentist and practice manager committed to providing a high standard of care.

“Staff records were well-maintained, and we saw evidence of up-to-date training, in line with regulatory requirements.”

While the report was positive in its assessment of the practice, it noted that there were areas for Llanfyllin Dental Practice to improve on, listing them as areas they 'recommend the service can improve'.

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Regarding the quality of patient experience, the report said the practice should update its complaints procedure, implement the ‘active offer’ of Welsh language and add information to the ‘out of hours’ voicemail.

In improving on their delivery of safe and effective care, the report said: “Improve arrangements for disposal of clinical and pharmaceutical waste, increase the number of audits carried out and ensure actions identified in risk assessments are tracked and addressed.”

When judging the quality of management, inspectors also added: “We recommend the practice carry out regular staff appraisals, implement the Duty of Candour, ensure all policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and put a process in place to manage safety incidents.”