Ghyllmount Dental Practice
The main ethos of the Practice is to deliver a quality assured dental service, offering a full range of services, which are delivered to a high standard, customer focused and most crucially, avoids the need for local people to travel long distances for treatment.
Situation
The practice relocated in 2009, and since then has gone from strength to strength. The patient numbers have grown from 2500 to 4200 and the practice is now at capacity. As well as general dentistry, Ghyllmount is a referral practice for all the ‘specialist’ services that are available too. They attract referrals from all over Cumbria and South Scotland. Ghyllmount has approached delivery of the service by making the practice premises look and feel differently from the traditional model. Using the 5 senses to turn round the usual stereotype, you are immediately struck by the sense of fresh air and the pleasant aroma of cut flowers as you approach the reception desk and immediately recognise its quite different from the usual whiff of anaesthetic or other antiseptic treatments. After that your perceptions are further changed by the décor of the place which is more like a hotel than a place for medical treatment. All the 5 senses are treated to a different experience and together it all adds to having a more pleasant visit.
Challenges
John sees one main challenge being recruitment. Not only for clinicians, but also support staff. Due to no UK applicants on recent recruitment drives, Ghyllmount has welcomed 2 overseas members of the team, both of whom are excellent and are valued members of the team. The other main challenge is that Ghyllmount has outgrown the current building. There is an exceptional demand for dentistry in Cumbria and the practice is turning new patients away every day because there is no capacity to accept new patients.
Actions
The practice is hoping to expand in the future if a suitable space becomes available. This would allow room for another 2 surgeries which would help Ghyllmount to reduce current waiting times and accept new patients. John will continue to invest in the team, providing a high standard of training and continued development, whilst constantly reviewing pay and terms and conditions to ensure that Ghyllmount remains an attractive option for job applicants and to maintain staff retention.
The Future
John is looking to continually develop the services he offers to reflect the changing needs of the people of Penrith and Eden. He is also keen to increase the focus on prevention led dentistry for improving health outcomes.
Useful resource
We want to see a strong private health sector in Eden get stronger to meet ever increasing demands from our customers. John Lewis, Owner of Ghyllmount Dental Practice
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