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

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

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

Veriam Dental Surgery

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.

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:

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.