Catalogue of safety failings discovered at a dental practice in Littleborough

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has reported a catalogue of safety failings at a local dental practice.

After a recent inspection, the health watchdog said Church Street Dental Care in Littleborough had not been following safety regulations.

However, the surgery, run by Dr Simon Robert Austin, was found to be ‘caring and responsive’.

Patients were also said to be ‘positive about all aspects of the service’ with those spoken to describing staff as ‘lovely, caring and professional’.

Dr Austin added that patient safety was ‘a top priority’ and the practice was ‘taking steps to address concerns raised’.

But a report published by the CQC outlined a number of safety failings, and stated: “The practice did not follow relevant safety regulations when using needles and other sharp dental items.

“The practice had chosen not to use a safe local anaesthetic system; no risk assessment was in place to address this or the risks associated with other sharps equipment in use. The sharps policy did not reflect the process in place at the practice.”

Inspectors also found that some emergency medicines and items of equipment – including syringes, needles and airway-opening devices – had passed their expiry date.

Others, such as oxygen masks of certain sizes, were missing altogether.

The report also says there was ‘no proper and safe management of medicines’ at the practice.

It had not ensured the emergency medicine glucagon – which raises blood glucose levels in diabetics – was always being stored at the right temperature.

And there was no record kept of the expiry date of medicine held at the practice or whom it had been dispensed to.

Dosage amounts for some prescribed medicines were not in line with recognised guidance for patients aged over 10.

Dental dams were also not being used in line with British Endodontic Society guidance during root canal treatment, the report says.

These stop saliva interfering with the dental work and prevent instruments and materials from being inhaled, swallowed, or causing damage to the mouth.

Inspectors were told that ‘other methods’ were used to protect patients’ airways, but this was not recorded in care records.

As well as safety shortcomings, the inspection report also found that the practice was not providing ‘effective’ care.

Criticisms included a lack of awareness of up-to-date guidance relating to the X-rays, and patients’ medical histories not being properly updated.

The service was all found not to be well-led.  

Some systems, including those for infection prevention and control, were said to be neither fully understood by staff nor effectively monitored.

However, the report was not without praise, with inspectors finding that staff were ‘caring’, protected patients’ privacy and aware of the importance of confidentiality.

Patients told the CQC they received helpful, honest explanations about dental treatment, and that Dr Austin put them at ease when they visited the surgery.

The practice was also said to be ‘responsive’ to patients’ needs and those in pain were able to get an appointment quickly.

Dr Austin said the practice had noted the recommendations in the report.

He added: “Patient care and safety is our top priority and we are taking steps to address the concerns raised.

“In the meantime, patients are welcome to contact us if they have any questions about the report.”

The practice did not meet four legal requirements of the Health and Social Care Act and must now tell the CQC what action it is going to take to address this.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter