Search Here

In its biggest ever patient recall, NHS has asked 22,000 people to get tested for blood borne infections including HIV after it was discovered that one of the dentists in Nottinghamshire habitually flouted infected control norms.

According to BBC, dentist Desmond D'Mello practised in Daybrook for 32 years before being suspended by NHS following an video expose showing him dental hygeine norms including not washing hands and sterilizing equipment between patients. While announcing the recall, the NHS played down fears by terming disease risk as low.

The whistleblower reportedly filmed the doctor at work over three days when he treated 166 patients. The video was provided as evidence to NHS to conduct its investigation. While the results are yet to be made public, the NHS suspended Dr D'Mello following initial enquiries.

"Our investigation demonstrates that acceptable infection control standards do not appear to have been followed by Mr 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," said Dr Doug Black, NHS's Medical Director in Nottinghamshire, in a press release.

"However, this alleged drop in clinical standards may have put people at a low risk of infection from hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. We are extremely sorry for the undoubted worry and concern people may feel on hearing this news. I would like to stress again that the risk is low but would encourage anyone affected to contact the advice line," he said adding that helpline and a community clinic have been opened for helping those affected.

The NHS has tested Dr D'Mello and declared him free of any infectious conditions. Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire Police is investigating the sudden death of 23-year old Amy Duffield, who died of acute viral myocarditis August last year after undergoing treatment at Dr D'Mello's clinic.