NEWS DIGEST


know who to contact for advice if they do have any concerns.” The guidance has been developed


following concerns that some recent high-profile cases were deterring some doctors both from working in this area and from raising child protection concerns. It states: “It is vital that all doctors have the confidence to act if they believe that a child or young person may be being abused or neglected. “Taking action will be justified, even if it turns out that the child or young person is not at risk of, or suffering, abuse or neglect, as long as the concerns are honestly held and reasonable, and the doctor takes action through appropriate channels.” Access the guidance at www.tinyurl.


com/86e3b5z


Dental patients advised to query indemnity


DENTAL patients are being encouraged to ask their dentist if they have indemnity or insurance cover in a new factsheet produced by the General Dental Council. The regulator is urging patients to


“know their rights” when it comes to pursuing a complaint and getting their money back “if something goes wrong”. It


The factsheet states: “Our advice to


patients is that you ask your dentist or dental care professional if they are properly insured, or indemnified for the treatment they are carrying out. Our research shows that the vast majority will have measures in place.” It goes on to advise patients how to


make a complaint and to contact the GDC “if you think the dental professional treating you is a risk to other patients”. MDDUS head of dental division Aubrey


Craig has welcomed patients being given more information about what to expect from their dentist and believes it is further evidence that dentists should be suitably protected and prepared. He said: “Dentists should ensure they are fully compliant so they can meet their patients’ expectations and needs as well as looking after themselves. “All dentists should have access to indemnity through their dental defence organisation so they are protected in the event of a claim of clinical negligence.”


Warning against over- reliance on methadone


HEROIN addicts should not be “parked indefinitely” on substitute drugs, such as methadone, according to a new report produced by an expert group commissioned by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse. An estimated 150,000 (out of 265,000) heroin addicts in England are currently being treated using substitute medications, typically methadone or buprenorphine. The


explains how indemnity or insurance cover is a way for dental professionals to ensure patients have a way to claim compensation in such cases.


report calls for action to ensure that opioid substitution therapy (OST) is always delivered in line with clinical guidance. Compelling scientific evidence shows


CORDELIA MOLLOY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY


that OST can be effective but the report cites a culture of commissioning and practice that does not give sufficient priority to the desire of individuals to overcome their dependence on drugs. The expert group rejected imposing time-limits on treatment, warning that arbitrarily curtailing or limiting the use of substitute medication would prevent addicts from sustaining their recovery. But the group advised doctors and health professionals working with heroin addicts to review all existing patients to ensure they are striving to achieve abstinence from problem drugs and ensure treatment programmes are dynamic and support recovery, with the exit visible to patients from the moment they walk through the door. Professor John Strang, who chaired the


group, said: “Overcoming heroin addiction is often very difficult, but with the right support, more people can and will recover from dependence. Substitute prescribing has an important contribution to make to recovery-orientated drug treatment, but it is not an end in itself. More needs to be done by all of us in the health profession to ensure that users are signposted, supported and encouraged to overcome dependence whenever possible, and to reintegrate into society.” Access the report at www.tinyurl. com/9fhx5ml


the title surgeon without holding surgical qualifications. ● BAN ON REMOTE BOTOX PRESCRIBING Doctors will no longer be allowed to remotely prescribe Botox under new guidelines from the GMC. The ban


AUTUMN 2012


applies to all injectable cosmetics and means that patients seeking such treatments will have to arrange face-to-face consultations with their doctor. The guidance is to ensure doctors understand the patient’s medical history and


reasons for wanting treatment. ● NHS NEGLIGENCE PAYOUTS HIT RECORD HIGH The cost of NHS litigation claims hit a record £1.3billion this year, according to new figures. Payouts for clinical and non-clinical claims in


2011-2012 increased by 46 per cent from last year’s bill of £911million. Compensation for patients harmed due to clinical negligence totalled £1.28billion with the remaining sum related to other civil claims.


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