Dental practice slammed
A RUNCORN dentist whose medicines were all 11 or 12 years past their expiry date has retired and closed his surgery permanently.
Graeme Lumley, 59, of Latham Avenue dental practice, called it a day after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published a report in which it slated the surgery for ‘ not providing care in accordance with the relevant regulations’.
Other problems discovered included the water line systems not being checked for six months and missing emergency equipment.
The CQC inspection report said the dentist said they had emergency oxygen but could not find it when asked.
Nor did they have a defibrillator and in addition, its indemnity form on display was several months out of date.
The regulator ruled that ‘enforcement action’ was needed, and told the surgery it needed to take steps to bring its standards up to scratch including ensur- ● ing care is provided in a safe way, equipment and premises are fit for use, establish systems for good governance and instigate an annual appraisals programme.
An inspection report said Mr Lumley agreed to close for two weeks after an initial visit but when the CQC returned, not enough progress had been made and the assessment did not take place as Mr Lumley decided to shut permanently and cancel the practice’s registration with the regulator.
The CQC said: “The practice had most of the emergency medicines available, as recommended in recognised guidance, with the exception of one. All the medicines were significantly past their expiry date, by 11 to 12 years.
“The provider had some but not all of the recommended emergency medical equipment available.
“Three items were not available.
“The provider told us they had emergency medical oxygen but staff could not find the cylinder.
“The provider did not have an automated external defibrillator (AED) and had not assessed and identified the risks associated with the unavailability of an AED.”