Dental patients recalled in Northumberland

Dental patients recalled in Northumberland
Fears over infection control at a Northumberland dental practice have led to 28 patients being recalled for checks and blood tests. The dentist practised at Genix Healthcare Dental Clinic in Alnwick. Patients are being offered a precautionary blood test for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV in keeping with best clinical practice, the dentist implicated is not practising for the time being.

Professor Sue Milner, director of public health and protection for NHS North of Tyne and Northumberland County Council, emphasised that patients were being recalled by NHS North of Tyne as a precautionary measure. She said: "I want to strongly reassure patients that any risks to them are extremely small and we are carrying out this recall because we have a duty of care to patients and, given this responsibility, we wanted to contact them directly, explain what has happened and apologise for any distress or anxiety this recall might cause. I would urge patients to respond and arrange for their dental check and blood test so any worries can be put to rest as soon as possible."

The statement also confirmed that the NHS is currently carrying out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the clinical issues. It continues: ‘So it would not be appropriate to comment further at the moment apart from to again strongly reassure patients that any risks are minimal and the recall is being carried out as a precautionary measure.'

A statement from Genix Healthcare said: Genix Healthcare is proud of its cross-infection standards at the Alnwick practice which meet all of the Department of Health's Best Practice' standards and this was recently confirmed during a glowing report we received from the Care Quality Commission. We are cooperating fully with the primary care trust and are in the process of contacting the small number of patients affected to offer advice and support at this time.'


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