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the royston dental practice
Patient Protection at The Royston Dental Practice
Dentistry has always been at the forefront of infection control and patient/staff safety. Covid-19 has redoubled our efforts as a profession to continue to deliver high quality care in a safe and compassionate setting. During the lock-down period, the staff at The Royston Dental Practice continued to educate ourselves on the dangers and difficulties of delivering dentistry during the Covid-19 Pandemic. This meant that we re-evaluated every step of the patient journey, and worked to streamline and improve our already stringent codes of disinfection, sterilisation, and patient/staff protection. As a team we logged over 120 hours of Continuing Professional Development while maintaining a remote service to our patients by giving advice, dispensing prescriptions and referring urgent cases to the Urgent Dental Care Centre.
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What we learned was that there is no magic bullet, safety is achieved by implementing layers of shielding and protocols that work together to keep everyone protected. Our goal is to not only make patients and staff safe, but our families and friends as well.
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In the practice you will notice we've redecorated with surfaces that tolerate the frequent cleaning regime. We now alternate surgeries, so that one can be disinfected and cleaned while the other is in use. We fog each room with hypocholorous acid, which is not dangerous to humans or animals and is used in hospital theatres. In addition to rigorous surgery protocols, there is a continuous incidental cleaning regime in place during the day which includes common-area chairs, doorknobs, light switches, railings, computers and touch pads - any surface that a patient or staff member has touched. You will also notice there are Hextio and Bryant Dental air purifiers in the practice, and a Foobot air quality monitor to analyse air quality.
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Before your visit:
If you are a patient and have an appointment arranged, we will call you the day before to confirm your visit, confirm the time, and ask you some general questions about your health and Covid-19. We will also update your details and take a current medical history in order to reduce your contact with pens and paper while in the practice. We are asking all of our patients if they have had any Covid-19 symptoms, been contacted by NHS Track & Trace, or have a family member who has had symptoms or is vulnerable. These questions help us to protect you and help us to protect everyone who comes into the practice. We thank you for your co-operation.
At your visit:
On the day of your visit, we ask that you remember to brush your teeth, wash your hands and use your home toilet facilities before you leave so that you do not need to do so in the practice. Please arrive at the exact time of your appointment. Please come alone, if possible, in order to limit the number of people in the practice and allow for social distancing. When you walk into the practice, Gail or Sarah will greet you at the door and explain the safety measures for your visit. We kindly ask that you bring as few personal items as possible as you will be asked to store them in a secure container when you arrive. Your temperature will be taken and you will be given shoe coverings to put on, asked to use hand gel, and then given a mask, an apron and gloves to wear. Members of staff will also be wearing their protective gear for your safety.
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After your visit:
After you have seen us please let us know if you experience any Covid-19 symptoms up to 14 days after your visit.
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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 use, 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 Reception, if we can help you in any way.
Yours faithfully,
Branislav Milijic,
The 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.
Branislav Milijic
The Practice Owner.