The
new inspection regime will replace interim arrangements, in place since April
2013, under which Public Health Wales carry out inspections of newly opened NHS
practices and any existing practices that are of cause for concern. Until 31
March 2013, responsibility for inspections lay with the NHS Business Services
Authority, Dental Services.
From August this year, HIW will undertake inspections of
all NHS dental practices on a three-yearly cycle, in addition to its current
responsibility for the inspection of private dental practices. The Welsh
Government will provide sufficient financial resources to enable HIW to support
the new inspection process.
HIW
is the independent inspector and regulator of all NHS and independent
healthcare organisations in Wales. It provides assurance that services are safe
and of good quality thereby providing independent assurance for patients, the
public, the Welsh Government and healthcare providers.
Mark Drakeford said:
“Because of the withdrawal of the NHS Business
Services Authority from dental practice inspections, new arrangements have had
to be put in place in Wales.
“Extending HIW’s role to include a
three-yearly cycle of NHS dental practice inspections will ensure NHS and
private dental practices are subject to the same inspection criteria and
working to common standards.
“The new arrangements allow us to develop a
strong, Wales-based inspection service, tailored to our specific
needs.
“The physical inspection of practices reinforces
the principles of good governance as outlined in the Francis
Report, ensuring compliance with fundamental standards of care and
focusing on meeting patients’ needs. A routine programme of inspections,
delivered by dental professionals, will provide us all with an additional level
of confidence in the effectiveness, safety and quality of our dental services
in Wales.”
The Chief Executive of HIW, Kate Chamberlain
said:
“Healthcare Inspectorate Wales is committed to
providing an independent and objective view about the quality and safety of
services. In delivering the dental inspection programme, HIW will ensure that
good practice is maintained and will make recommendations where improvement is
needed.”