The original figure for the recall was 22,000 patients of the former Daybrook Dental Surgery Practice who were under the care of disgraced Nottinghamshire dentist Mr Desmond D’Mello. We’re told that thousands of them have reached out for help using the dedicated advice line, and we’re advised that thousands have been to the Arnold Health Centre for testing and help as well.
Our claims helpline has been extremely busy over the last few weeks since we initiated our campaign to fight for justice for those affected by the scandal as former patients of D’Mello.
This is said to be the largest recall of its scale and nature that the UK has ever seen. The strain this has put on the NHS is immense. Despite the fact our economy is growing at a better rate than many of our fellow EU countries, we’re still in the midst of a credit crunch, and strains like this on the NHS are highly unwelcome.
The cost is set to be significant, and it’s all down to one man ignoring the most basic of NHS infection control procedures for reasons he has yet to properly address. The running theory remains that it was down to profit as he attempted to squeeze as many patients in as he possibly could in such short periods of time.
The worry and stress that has been caused remains fresh as the local community that has been badly affected by the news of their much loved dentists ‘dirty secret’ has left them shaken. Many have understandably reached out for help because of the nature of the things people have been exposed to.
The NHS has put a lot of advice and information online, but when we’re talking about serious blood-borne infections like Hepatitis and HIV, it’s a significant concern. People need more than advice to read online; they need reassurance, which has only served to exacerbate the scale of all of this.
People are getting their results now, and for the vast majority, all is well. We have been advised that some have been recalled for further testing as results are classed as ‘borderline’ so we will be reporting shortly of any updates on this as soon as we know more.