Good News! Charles Russell helps secure UDA uplift on PCT Contract

Susan Hunneyball, a member of our regulatory dental healthcare team has helped secure a significantly uplifted UDA amount for a client, backdated to 2006. The PCT in question had not complied with the regulatory framework surrounding the introduction of UDAs. A very good start to 2013 for the dental team!

A Warning on Flood Risk Insurance

A 2008 Agreement between the Government and the Association of British Insurers to provide flood insurance comes to an end on 30th June 2013. Whilst the Government is considering proposals, it is likely that the flood insurance market will start to more accurately reflect the risk to individual properties. Premiums will no doubt increase. Insurance may be restricted or even unavailable for more of the high risk properties.

Property owners, investors and lenders should review their potential exposure. The Environment Agency's flood risk maps do not provide property specific information or advice, and currently only deal with certain flood risks. Independent flood risk reports using better data and risk models to more clearly predict the potential risks are available from £30. These add a useful level of knowledge before engaging a more expensive expert.

Negotiations to buy or sell a dental practice with a high flood risk need not be abandoned. A purchaser who has identified a flood risk may be able to address the insurance premiums when negotiating a purchase price. Dentists should also consider installing flood resistance measures or taking steps to minimise the impact of flooding - such as choosing not to put computer servers or stock in basements.

Where a property becomes uninsurable or expensive to insure, the landlord could become liable for loss of rent, repair costs and alternative accommodation – depending on the lease terms, although tenants would still have to make provision for their contents and business continuity.

Chlorhexidine - Medical Device Alert

Due to the number of reported anaphylactic reactions following the use of products containing chlorhexidine products the MHRA has issued a Medical Devices Alert regarding all products containing chlorhexidine including antiseptic mouthwashes, toothpaste and dental implants.

All dental and nursing staff involved in the use of such produces should ensure the following action us taken:

  • Be aware of potential anaphylactic reaction to chlorhexidine
  • ensure that known allergies are recorded in patient notes
  • check the labels and instructions for use to establish if produces contain chlorhexidine prior to use on patients with a known allergy
  • if patient suffers an unexplained reaction check if chlorhexidine was used or was impregnated in the medical device used
  • report allergic reaction to products containing chlorhexidine to the MHRA The alert has been issued to all NHS Trusts in England as well as the CQC for information.

Health Committee Report on CQC

The Health Committee report on CQC recommends that the first priority of CQC "is to apply its existing standards consistently and effectively". Stephen Dorrell MP and chair of the Commons Health Committee has stated that it was 'extraordinary' that the CQC had yet to define its core purpose. CQC in response to the report has issued the following statement:

"In our strategic review we consulted widely on a clear statement of our purpose and role. We also set out our intentions to improve how we communicate with the public, make better use of information, and work more effectively as an organisation and with others, including those who provide care"

The full health committee report together with its recommendations can be viewed at: http://www.parliament.uk/healthcom

Fitness to Practise

We can help dentists with fitness to practise and other regulatory issues as well as buying and selling practices.

The GDC has published some of its most recent cases, including a case in which they worked with the Crown Prosecution Service after a dentist continued to practise after being suspended. The dentist received a prison sentence.

And finally...

Jenin Khanam and Susan Hunneyball heard Sue Gregory talk recently on the Dental Contract Pilots. One question from the audience caused a ripple of applause ...a question about keeping an FP17 open for a whole course of treatment. Sue Gregory confirmed that the Department of Health "would be looking at patient charges in the round" and may be introducing changes to the contract being piloted, so we await further news with interest.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.