Biggest recall in UK medical history as 22,000 patients face tests for HIV
14 Nov 2014 5:08 AM IST
NHS England said the ‘significant patient recall’ has resulted from concerns over a dentist who treated patients in the Nottingham area. The dentist Desmond D’Mello used to work for the Daybrook Dental Surgery.
The recall was sparked by concerns that D’Mello, who treated patients over a 32-year period, did not follow proper procedures.
NHS England said that since June 2014, it has been working with Public Health England to investigate apparent breaches of infection control procedures by a single dentist, who was contracted to provide NHS dental services at the former Daybrook Dental Practice in Nottinghamshire. It said, ‘Our investigation demonstrates that acceptable infection control standards do not appear to have been followed by Mr Desmond D’Mello whilst he was treating patients at the former Daybrook Dental Practice. Immediate actions were taken to protect current patients once these apparent lapses were identified.
However, this alleged drop in clinical standards may have put people at a low risk of blood born viruses like Hepatitis B, C and HIV. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, we are advising all patients who have seen Mr D’Mello to seek further advice on what action they may need to take’. The investigation team has also consulted with clinical experts in Public Health England, who undertook a clinical analysis of the potential risk to patients.
The recall was sparked by concerns that D’Mello, who treated patients over a 32-year period, did not follow proper procedures.
NHS England said that since June 2014, it has been working with Public Health England to investigate apparent breaches of infection control procedures by a single dentist, who was contracted to provide NHS dental services at the former Daybrook Dental Practice in Nottinghamshire. It said, ‘Our investigation demonstrates that acceptable infection control standards do not appear to have been followed by Mr Desmond D’Mello whilst he was treating patients at the former Daybrook Dental Practice. Immediate actions were taken to protect current patients once these apparent lapses were identified.
However, this alleged drop in clinical standards may have put people at a low risk of blood born viruses like Hepatitis B, C and HIV. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, we are advising all patients who have seen Mr D’Mello to seek further advice on what action they may need to take’. The investigation team has also consulted with clinical experts in Public Health England, who undertook a clinical analysis of the potential risk to patients.
Next Story
