News
Domestic violence initiative launched
TRAINING
A new initiative aimed at training dentists to encourage patients to report domestic abuse has been launched in Ayrshire.
Health Minister Nicola Sturgeon was on hand to meet Medics Against Violence (MAV) founder Dr Christine Goodall at the North West Kilmarnock Area Centre at the official launch. Ms Sturgeon saw examples of the training that will be given to dentists on how to spot signs of abuse and encourage victims to report it to the police or support services. About 90 dentists are expected to attend the first training session, which will comprise a short film and a series of short inputs from MAV and the Violence Reduction Unit.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran are piloting the initiative but a number of other health boards are expressing interest.
Dr Goodall explained that dentists are perfectly placed to offer advice, she said: “Victims of domestic abuse often suffer injuries to their teeth, face and neck, so dentists are often the first health professionals they see. “We felt it was time to take advan- tage of this ‘golden moment’ to intervene and help. On average it takes around 35 incidents of abuse before a victim feels able to tell the police or a support service. This is about helping, encouraging and supporting victims to be able to make that call whenever they are ready.”
Government delays PVG scheme
The Scottish Government has announced a delay to the introduction of its Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, which will replace the current disclosure arrangements. The scheme had been due to go live in 30 November but has been postponed until February 2011 following advice from the PVG scheme programme board.
Children’s Minister Adam Ingram explained the reasons behind the move: “We all remember the problems that arose when Disclosure Scotland was established with a massive back- log of checks. I believe that appalling situation came about because quality was sacrificed to meet arbitrary timescales. We will not make the same mistake.”
The General Dental Council has revealed that it has a legal obligation to share information with the PVG scheme but that it is unclear as to the nature of the information. The council have confirmed, however, that any information received from the PVG scheme will not result in automatic erasure, but it will be dealt with as an allegation of impaired fitness to practise.
8 Scottish Dental magazine
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