Failure to attend (FTAs)

Under the new NHS contract, if a patient is unable to attend an NHS appointment and fails to notify the practice, it is no longer possible to charge an FTA fee. However, to prevent the waste of valuable clinical time, every practice has the right to deregister a patient for failing to give sufficient notice (24 hours) or failing to attend an appointment. Patient who are regularly cared for, or NHS patients who are having treatment outside the NHS will be charged for short notice cancellation or missed appointments.

Our policy is as follows:
Failing to attend two appointments, or failing to give more than 24 hours notice of cancellation (unless the patient can demonstrate an acceptable reason for the cancellation) on two occasions, will lead to automatic deregistration from the practice. Surgery time is very valuable and we ask patients to allow the appointment to be offered to another patient by giving us sufficient notice. Please note that FTA fees will continue to be charged for appointments which are for private treatment outside the NHS. FTA for private appointments charge at £1 a minute of appointment length.

Health and 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 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 Norma Watson, the Practice Manager if you have any questions or concerns.

Violent or Abusive Behaviour

Any violent or abusive behaviour will result in immediate withdrawal from practice.