Introduction to Health and Safety
Health and safety are fundamental priorities for every organisation, forming the foundation of a productive and supportive workplace. A robust safety charter demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards and striving for continuous improvement in all aspects of health and safety. By identifying potential risks and taking proactive steps to prevent incidents and accidents, we protect both our staff and patients from ill health and harm. In line with Care Quality Commission guidance, our organisation is dedicated to fostering a culture where safety and responsibility are shared by all. This charter ensures that everyone understands their role in creating a safe environment, and that our standards are regularly reviewed and enhanced to prevent workplace accidents and support the wellbeing of everyone who enters our practice.
Care Quality Comission Guidelines
The Care Quality Commission provides comprehensive guidelines and charters designed to uphold safety and health across all healthcare settings. These guidelines serve as a framework for Zental to follow, ensuring that both patients and staff are protected by the highest standards of care. Emphasising continuous improvement, respect, and responsibility, the Care Quality Commission's approach encourages organisations to regularly review their practices and implement changes that prevent accidents, incidents, and ill health. The guidelines also stress the importance of fostering a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion, ensuring that every employee feels respected and supported in the workplace. By adhering to these standards, we are committed to providing a safe, high-quality environment where everyone can thrive.
Health and safety
Your health and safety is of paramount importance to us and is constantly reviewed in line with current regulations, with a strong focus on the implementation of health and safety strategies across all levels of the organisation. Please notify a member of staff or email hello@zental.uk if you notice any area of concern so immediate action can be taken. We will provide the necessary resources or support to address your concerns promptly. It is essential to ensure that health and safety measures are in place and supervised at every location within the organisation.
Patient safety charter
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 or are sterilised after 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 the 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.
We run a clinical governance system which uses integrated risk management to identify, assess, analyse and manager all risks and incidents. The goal is continuous improvement in our care and service to you.
The Practice Manager has the overall responsibility at the practice. The team is supported through regular meetings, staff training, personal development and regular appraisals. The practice always welcomes questions, comments and suggestions from patients.
Please contact the practice manager if you have any questions or concerns.
