Police investigating dentist link to woman’s death

Just days before she died in August, the 23-year-old woman was treated at the surgery of Desmond D’Mello – who the NHS have revealed was suspended over possible blood infections linked to poor hygiene practices.

Mr D’Mello’s suspension has triggered the recall of 22,000 patients over possible infections with blood-borne viruses including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

The recalled patients were treated over a 32-year period, but the NHS suspects they are at “low risk” of infection.

Police had previously investigated whether the death of a second woman, aged 29, was linked to the dental surgery.

She died in August 2013, but Nottinghamshire police said there was “no evidence found of any links between her treatment and her death”.

Mr D’Mello practised at the former Daybrook Dental Practice at 88 Mansfield Road in Gelding, Nottinghamshire.

He was found to be clear of any infection, but there remains a risk of infection for patients “due to apparent multiple failures in cross infection control standards whilst undergoing dental treatment”, the NHS said.

Whistleblower

NHS England was contacted by a worker at his practice in June “who had concerns about the standards of clinical care being provided to patients”, it said.

The whistleblower gave the NHS covertly-filmed footage of Mr D’Mello, which appeared to show his disregard for hygeine procedures.

Dr Doug Black, who was investigating the case, said “immediate actions” were taken “to protect current patients once these apparent lapses were identified”.

Mr D’Mello was suspended in June, two days after the covert film was handed to the NHS.

The NHS said: “It is clear from the video evidence that the whistleblower was right to be concerned, as it appears the levels of care being delivered by Mr D’Mello to patients fell far below the accepted standards.”

Mr D’Mello’s dental surgery was inspected in November 2013, although nothing untoward was reported.

But a further inspection in July this year found Mr D’Mello was storing dental equipment in the staff toilet, according to officials.

In a critical report published by the Care Quality Commission in August, inspectors found the centre did not meet cleanliness and infection control standards.

Ongoing investigation

The whistleblower’s film appears to show that he “failed to wash his hands and change gloves between patients”, but in addition “appeared to use the same instruments for more than one patient and without sterilising the instruments between patients”, the NHS said.

It added it was “not possible to determine how long the dentist may have been using inadequate infection control procedures”.

One of the practice nurses seen in the covert film has also been suspended, while the other has been placed “under conditions”.

Mr D’Mello was in the process of selling his dental practice when the filming took place.

The NHS investigation is ongoing and no formal findings have been made so far. Mr D’Mello will remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Since August 2014 the former Daybrook Dental Practice has been under new ownership by Southern Dental.

The NHS said the practice was “not in any way connected to this incident but has offered ongoing support and cooperation to our investigation and Mr D’Mello is no longer associated with this practice”.