DIRTY DENTIST’S £2M EXTRACTION
Compensation claims flood in after hepatitis and HIV scare
A dentist who sparked a mass HIV scare is now at the centre of the biggest mass litigation in Scottish legal history.
Alan Morrison was struck off the dental register after he put 6000 patients at risk by using dirty equipment.
We can reveal the number of patients who’ve come forward with claims against him has risen to more than 800.
It’s estimated the case could now spark compensation claims worth £2million.
The General Dental Council ’s professional conduct committee struck Morrison off their register in February, branding his behaviour “woeful ”. It’s the second time he’s been banned from practising.
Solicitor Patrick McGuire, who represents hundreds of former patients, said: “The fact that one dentist and a localised issue – albeit a very important issue – has led to us looking at the largest mass litigation in Scotland is quite incredible.
“Hi s c onduc t was contemptible. This is a man who clearly thought he was above the law and had no regard whatsoever for his patients.
“The irony is that he cut so many corners to save probably not much more than a few thousand pounds each year.
“It put an entire community at risk in the process. We are now being instructed by over 800 people in this matter.”
McGuire, of Thompsons Solicitors, added: “Lengthy and productive discussions have taken place involving lawyers, advocates and QCs.
“He was charged with misconduct and then struck off but there’s still a lot of law and a lot of detail to be looked at.
“I think, in law, it will ultimately be proven to be relatively straightforward but there’s a lot of work required to get to that point.
“We’re looking at how we can allow this matter to be tested in court and get to a position where all 800 people can be fairly compensated.
“Discussions are ongoing but I would anticipate a test case, or test cases, in the next six months. “But the fact it’s the largest mass litigation in Scotland means it’s complex.”
After a dental nurse turned whistleblower, patients at surgeries in Cumnock and Drongan, Ayrshire, were offered HIV and hepatitis B and C tests. Four tested positive for hepatitis C.
Former patient Agnes Ginnity, 54, of Muirkirk, Ayrshire, said: “It’s no surprise so many people are involved in this action. I am still furious at what he put me and fellow patients through. He is a selfish individual.
“I don’t expect to have to be screened for HIV for going to my dentist. It was a dreadful experience.”
Morrison reused surgical gloves and didn’t bother cleaning instruments from one patient to the next despite a warning from inspectors.
Lawyers believe each patient could get a four-figure settlement, which would result in a total bill approaching £2million.
Former prison dentist Morrison – who drives a 4x4 with the personalised plate G11MSY – was removed from the dental register in 2005 after allowing an inmate at Kilmarnock jail to inject another prisoner with a sedative.
He rejoined the following year but the rules were later changed to bring in a five-year period before struck-off dentists can rejoin.
Morrison, of Mauchline, Ayrshire, declared himself bankrupt this year with debts of £441,368.
But lawyers said it would not affect the outcome of cases as the action is against his insurer, the Medical and Dental Defence Union Scotland. A spokesman for the MDDUS said: “We are not in a position to comment.”
The NHS are not liable as dentists work as self-employed contractors.
I’m still furious at what he put me through. It was a dreadful experience. He’s so selfish