DMello nurse struck off by GDC
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- Published: Wednesday, 23 August 2017 07:57
- Written by News Editor
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Dental nurse Sally Hague, who formerly worked for disgraced dentist, Desmond D'Mello has been suspended indefinitely by the GDC, following criticism of her cross infection control. The panel heard that Mrs Hague's failings were ‘serious and significant’. They said an indefinite suspension was ‘appropriate and proportionate’.
The panel also said it had seen ‘no evidence’ that she had sought training to rectify the poor hygiene issues and had received an email from her saying she did not wish to continue as a dental nurse.
Sally Hague was suspended from Daybrook Dental Practice in 2015 after being recorded not washing her hands or changing gloves between patients. She worked with Desmond D'Mello, who was also struck off the Register after being secretly filmed breaking hygiene rules.
Following an investigation Mrs Hague admitted 20 charges, which included not washing her hands between procedures, failing to change gloves between patients and re-using non-sterile apparatus. She was suspended for 12 months in 2015, which was extended for a further year in 2016 after a committee decided the misconduct "was remediable, but had not been remedied".
The professional conduct committee heard that the failings made by Mrs Hague - who did not attend the hearings - "could have had wide-ranging consequences for patient safety". It said: "The committee had no evidence before it of any steps taken by Mrs Hague to address the failings identified. Further, it had no evidence to demonstrate that Mrs Hague may have developed any insight. It could not be satisfied that she now understands the severity of the failings in this case. It noted that Mrs Hague had been given multiple opportunities to address the failings identified, which she has not. The committee concluded that given the persistent lack of engagement and lack of remediation and insight, there remains a risk to the public."
A total of 55 allegations of malpractice against Mr D'Mello were proven in August 2016. Footage of his actions prompted the recall of some 22,000 patients, 4,500 of whom were tested for blood-borne viruses although no link was found between incidences of hepatitis and the actions of D’Mello.
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