Report by the Health Service Ombudsman for England of an investigation of a complaint about a dentist in Staffordshire: fifth report, session 2010-12This report sets out the findings of the investigation of a patient's complaint about dentist Rajesh Narendranath (known as Mr Nath), of Stone Family Dental Practice in Stone, Staffordshire. The patient, Mrs D, complained that Mr Nath had been rough and had hurt her while trying to take x-rays, and also that he had been rude to her when she had objected. Dissatisfied with the response she received from Mr Nath to her complaint, Mrs D escalated it to the Healthcare Commission. The Healthcare Commission upheld Mrs D's complaint and told Mr Nath that he should apologise to her. When Mrs D did not receive this apology, she took the matter further - first to the General Dental Council, who told her they had warned Mr Nath that he should follow the recommendations of professional bodies, and finally to Health Service Ombudsman. The Ombudsman investigated and upheld the complaint, recommending that Mr Nath that he should acknowledge his failings in full and apologise. She also recommended that Mr Nath pay Mrs D £500 compensation for the feelings of shock and offence she had suffered. To date, Mr Nath has not complied with these recommendations. The Ombudsman has also taken the step of sharing the findings of her investigation with the General Dental Council who are currently considering what action they may need to take in relation to Mr Nath's fitness to practise as a dentist. South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust are also considering what further action to take. |
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