HEALTH CARE inspectors have undertaken enforcement action against a dental surgery after toxic waste was found and medicines had expired.

CQC inspectors also revealed equipment had not been prop - erly cleaned, infection control did not meet national guide - lines, and sharps bins were overflowing, when they visited the Grange Green Dental Practice, Grange Road, Billericay.

They also found the surgery, which cares for people of all ages, did not have a defibrillator.

Dentist Dr Petrus Snyman had also delegated x-ray duties to an unqualified trainee nurse, according to a report released on Monday.

They said: “The practice had not completed robust risk assessments to identify and manage risk for example; several containers filled with toxic waste had been stored for over 12 months in area that was not secure and could be access by members of the public.

“The practice had not undertaken a sharps risk assessment.

“Regular professional registration checks were not undertaken for dentists to ensure they were still fit to practise.

“There were quantities of materials and medicines found that had expired.”

However, the inspectors, who also undertook enforcement action against the surgery’s lack of leadership and effectiveness, found the services to be caring and responsive.

They found staff to be respecting of patient’s privacy, dignity and were compassionate while caring for patients.

They added: “The practice provided a range of services to meet patients’ needs.

"It offered private treatment to children and adults.

“There was information for patients about the practice, available both in the waiting area.”

The practice was open Monday and Tuesday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Wednesday 8.30am to 7pm, Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 4pm.

Staff told inspectors that on Thursday and Friday afternoons the practice did not routinely offer appointments, and that staff conducted administrative tasks.

The CQC has demanded a report from the surgery stating what improvements it will make in the future.

The practice was contacted for comment, however, no response was received.