Charter on Patient Safety

Our practice has a safety culture which means that patient safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds not only when delivering healthcare but also when setting objectives, developing procedures, purchasing new products and equipment. It is also a culture that is open and fair, where team members can discuss the challenges they face at work for the best interests of our patients. For patient safety we:

• Follow the latest infection prevention guidelines including those from NHS England

• Use dental
  instruments that are single patient
  use, or are sterilised after
  each patient use

• Decontaminate work areas including the dental chair, hand held equipment and cupboard handles,
  in between patients

• Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene
  including clinical clothing and the restricted wearing of jewellery

• Monitor practice
  water for quality. Dental
  unit waterlines are
  disinfected and kept
  clear

• Handle waste
  according to current
  regulations and dispose
  of it with appropriate carriers

• Take expert advice if a team member
  may have a blood borne
  infection. The team member will have an occupational health
  examination and follow
  professional advice on their role in treating patients

All our team members are trained in safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and follow the practice safeguarding procedures, which are regularly monitored and reviewed.

As a member of CODE, the practice is kept up to date with the latest guidelines, good practice and regulations. We run a continuous improvement programme called iComply.

As the Practice Owner, I have overall responsibility for the practice. I lead and support the team through regular meetings, staff training, personal development and regular appraisals.

We always welcome questions, comments and suggestions from patients and the team. Please contact Laura Allan, Practice Owner, if we can help you in any way.

Yours faithfully, Laura Allen

Practice Owner

CODE Members' Charter

Member practices are committed to providing a high standard of dental treatment in a safe and caring environment;

• Member practices are committed to following the latest regulations, legislation and guidelines including those
  for infection prevention and control and to this
  end members also
  adopt the CODE Patient Safety Charter;
• Member practices have policies and procedures that their team follow to ensure that high
  standards of care can be maintained;
• Member practices are equal opportunity employers and are committed to encouraging equality,
  diversity and personal
  growth in the dental team; and
• Member practices are committed to contributing to the knowledge, skills and positive
  public perception of the dental profession.

Our practice is delighted to follow the CODE Members' Charter. Laura Allan,

Practice Owner