Additional Information

Comments and Complaints

In this practice we take any complaints seriously and try to ensure that all our patients are pleased with their experience of our service. Any complaint will normally be acknowledged in writing within 3 working days. The complaint will be investigated and responded to within 25 working days of the complaint. if patients are not satisfied with the result of our procedure then a complaint may be made to:

The Dental Complaints Service (08456 120540) for complaints about private treatment.

The Care Quality Commission (03000 616161) the general health regulator.

The General Dental Council (0845 2224141) the dentist’s regulatory body

2) In the event of any member of staff being verbally or physically abused treatment will be terminated and legal action may be taken.

3) All Patient data is held in strict confidence and in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

4) Veriam Dental Surgery is a Limited Company. (Company No. 07722051). The registered office is Clarendon House, St Andrews Street, Droitwich, WR9 8DY. Director: Mr Michael John Darby.

Veriam Dental Surgery

Infection control – Annual statement

March 2023 – March 2024

This statement reviews the known infection transmission events at Veriam Dental Surgery. It summarises the audits undertaken and the subsequent actions, the assessment of risks for the prevention and control of infection, the training received by staff, and the review and update of infection control policies, procedures and guidance.

In compliance with good practice on infection prevention and control, a copy of this statement is available to patients on request.

Known infection transmission events

 “There have been no known infection transmission events at the dental practice”.

Audits                           

Daily Surgery check list Audit – 23.6.23 & 21.12.23 – 100%

Autoclave Log Audit – 10.2.23 & 22.9.23 – 100%

Decontamination Room Cleaning Schedule Audit – 3.3.23 & 13.10.23 – 100%

Ultrasonic Log Audit – 28.4.23 & 27.10.23 – 100%

Hand Hygiene Audit – 14.8.23 & 11.3.24 – 100%

Environmental Cleaning Audit – 9.5.23  &10.11.23 – 100%

Infection control audits were conducted every six months using the Department of Health / Infection Prevention Society Infection Control Audit tool. The results of these audits are available from the practice manager.

Risk assessments

The practice risk assessment and COSHH assessment identify the possible risks of infection and the controls in place to manage these risks. The practice infection control policy and associated protocols and procedures further describe how we manage the risk of infection. Each member of staff is aware of the practice risk assessment and COSHH assessment and has received a copy of the practice infection control policy and understands the need for it to be followed routinely.

The practice risk assessment, COSHH assessment and infection control policies and procedures are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. The more recent risk assessments and policy and protocol reviews were undertaken on the following dates:

  • Practice risk assessment – July ‘23
  • Practice COSHH assessment – Dec ‘23
  • Infection control policy – March ‘24
  • Infection Control Audit – 5.4.23
  • Environmental Cleaning Policy – March ‘24
  • Manual Cleaning Procedure – March ‘24
  • Decontamination of impression materials – March ‘24
  • Ultra sonic cleaning policy – Nov ‘23
  • Autoclave Policy – Feb ‘24
  • Hand Hygiene Policy – Feb ‘24
  • Personal Protective Equipment Policy – Feb ‘24
  • Equipment Policy – March ‘24
  • Moving instruments to and from a separate decontamination area – March ‘24
  • Spill Protocol – Feb ‘24
  • Inoculation injuries Policy – Feb ‘24
  • Risk assessment for sharps – Dec ‘23
  • Hepatitis Risk Assessment – March ‘24

Staff training

All members of the team are encouraged to follow their continuing professional development requirements for disinfection and decontamination.  The practice provides update and refresher training on the infection control procedures adopted by the practice to ensure that all members of the team are aware of and work to current recommendations. Training in the infection control procedures for the practice is included in the practice induction programme for new staff. At least one hour of annual infection control training is provided for all staff.

During the last year, the following team and individual training has been undertaken:

DATE              COURSE                     CPD Hours                 STAFF ATTENDED

17.10.23 – Autoclave Training – 30 mins

Joanne Darby/Yvonne Johnson/Sue Penny/Caroline Settle

18.1.24 – Decontamination of Dental Instruments – 1

Caroline Settle

29.1.24 – Roles & Responsibilities in Decontamination – 1

Sue Penny

6.6.23  – P.P.E  – 1 – Sue Penny

25.10.23 – Disinfection of Dental Instruments – 1

Joanne Darby/ Yvonne Johnson/Sue Penny

Review and update of policies, procedures and guidance

The practice policies and procedures are reviewed on a regular basis and at least annually to ensure their currency. The practice infection control policies and procedures were reviewed and updated where necessary on 5.4.23 to reflect the requirements of the Department of Health (England) guidance.

 

MOUTH CANCER

Mouth cancer can effect anyone.

  • Mouth cancer can appear in different forms and can effect all parts of the mouth, tongue, lips and throat.
  • Check for changes in your mouth, any red or white patches, ulcers (that do not heal within three weeks) or unusual lumps or swellings.
  • Tobacco, drinking alcohol to excess, poor diet, smokeless tobacco and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are the most common causes of mouth cancer.
  • Reduce your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Be aware of changes in your mouth. If spotted early, the chances of a cure are good.
  • Do not hesitate to take action. If in doubt get checked out by your dentist or doctor.
  • FACT – This year in the UK more than 6,500 people will be told they have mouth cancer.
  • CHECK – Look out for ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings.
  • ACT – Regularly visit your dentist to ensure you are checked for signs of mouth cancer.

 

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