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Some 22,000 virus risk dentist patients recalled by NHS Some 22,000 virus risk dentist patients recalled by NHS
(35 minutes later)
Some 22,000 patients of a Nottinghamshire dentist are to be recalled for tests to see if they have been infected with blood-borne viruses.Some 22,000 patients of a Nottinghamshire dentist are to be recalled for tests to see if they have been infected with blood-borne viruses.
Desmond D'Mello, formerly of the Daybrook practice, was suspended by the General Dental Council over concerns about infection control.Desmond D'Mello, formerly of the Daybrook practice, was suspended by the General Dental Council over concerns about infection control.
A recent Care Quality Commission report said a toilet at the practice was being used to store equipment. NHS England said the dentist failed to wash his hands and change gloves between patients.
The risk of infection is believed to be low.The risk of infection is believed to be low.
A whistle-blower contacted health authorities and a surveillance camera was used to film at his practice. A whistle-blower contacted health authorities after filming covertly at the practice.
'Not positive'
Mr D'Mello has been tested and is not HIV positive, NHS England said.Mr D'Mello has been tested and is not HIV positive, NHS England said.
"Patients seen by Mr D'Mello appear to have been placed at a possible low risk of infection from blood borne infections, due to multiple failures in cross infection control measures," a spokesman said. "Patients seen by Mr D'Mello appear to have been placed at a possible low risk of infection from blood-borne infections, due to multiple failures in cross infection control measures," a spokesman said.
A Care Quality Commission inspection in July raised concerns about the possibility of cross-contamination at the practice. NHS England said it appeared Mr D'Mello failed to wash his hands and used the same instruments for more than one patient without sterilising the instruments between patients.
A Care Quality Commission inspection in July also raised concerns about the possibility of cross-contamination at the practice.
The report said the staff toilet and another room were being used as store rooms for equipment.The report said the staff toilet and another room were being used as store rooms for equipment.
"This posed a risk of these items coming into contact with body fluids which may be contaminated," the report said."This posed a risk of these items coming into contact with body fluids which may be contaminated," the report said.
Inspectors said new owners of the practice had renovated the property and addressed all the concerns "raised during the enforcement process". Inspectors said new owners of the practice had renovated the property and addressed all the concerns.
Dr Doug Black of NHS England said: "We are extremely sorry for the undoubted worry and concern that 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."
The NHS has written separately to the 166 patients who were captured on camera in the secret filming to explain what has happened.
A statement from the HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust said the risk of patients being infected with HIV from equipment that was not properly sterilised was unlikely.A statement from the HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust said the risk of patients being infected with HIV from equipment that was not properly sterilised was unlikely.
"It is right that these patients have been recalled, but we would reassure anyone who has been contacted that there is next to no risk of HIV being passed on in this way.""It is right that these patients have been recalled, but we would reassure anyone who has been contacted that there is next to no risk of HIV being passed on in this way."
A hotline and a community clinic have been set up in Nottingham to handle any questions.
Amarjit Gill, of the British Dental Association, said the recall was "a sensible precaution".Amarjit Gill, of the British Dental Association, said the recall was "a sensible precaution".
He said dentists use disinfection methods and wear gloves and masks as well as giving protective masks to patients.He said dentists use disinfection methods and wear gloves and masks as well as giving protective masks to patients.
Rob SissonsRob Sissons
BBC health correspondentBBC health correspondent
NHS England has taken advice from experts and they stress the risk of blood-borne infections being passed to the dentists' patients is low.NHS England has taken advice from experts and they stress the risk of blood-borne infections being passed to the dentists' patients is low.
But they have recommended that screening is offered.But they have recommended that screening is offered.
Tracing the 22,000 patients treated by this dentist over 30 years will be easier said than done.Tracing the 22,000 patients treated by this dentist over 30 years will be easier said than done.
Some of them will have moved out of the area and others may have died.Some of them will have moved out of the area and others may have died.
Are you affected by the NHS recall? Is someone you know affected? You can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. If you are willing to be contacted by a BBC journalist, please leave a contact number.Are you affected by the NHS recall? Is someone you know affected? You can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. If you are willing to be contacted by a BBC journalist, please leave a contact number.
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