Dental Tribune Untited Kingdom Edition

25FeatureApril 16-22, 2012United Kingdom Edition counselling and some time away from work. Neither of these of- fers were acted upon and even- tually, because of the potential risk to patients, the practice manager was forced to alert the GDC to his concerns and the dentist was asked to leave the practice. A sensitive subject The DDU recognises that it can be difficult to raise concerns about a colleague, particularly those in a position of authority. The fear of victimisation and bullying may be all too real but this is often not the case. In instances where behaviour may be putting patients at risk, you have a legal and ethi- cal duty to say something. The GDC guidance on raising con- cerns states that: “The duty to put patients’ interests first and act to protect them must over- ride personal and professional loyalties.”1 The GDC adds that if you fail to raise a concern that potentially puts patients at risk, you could be risking your registration. When and how – the regula- tions The action that you take will depend on the type of concern that is raised. If the concern is about poor performance that does not pose an immediate risk to patients, this can be raised at a local level through Practitioners’ Advice and Sup- port Schemes for dental pro- fessionals. You may also want to raise a concern with your manager or employer but this may not always be appropri- ate, particular if they are the subject of the concerns. In such cases, concerns can be raised with your local PCT or NHS hospital trust. There are however circum- stances when you should con- tact the GDC. This is advisable in instances when: • taking action at a local level would not be practical • action at a local level has failed • the problem is so severe that the GDC clearly need to be in- volved (for example, issues of indecency, violence or dishon- esty, serious crime, or illegal practice) • there is a genuine fear of vic- timisation or a cover-up2 Will I be protected? Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) 3 those working in NHS or pri- vate practice and those who are self-employed and contract- ed to provide NHS services, will be protected if they raise con- cerns about potentially illegal or dangerous practices, as long as you have acted in good faith and in the first instance, followed lo- cal level procedures. In addition, the GDC’s guidance in Principles of Dental Team Working makes clear that those who employ, manage or lead a team must support team members who raise concerns (paragraph 5.5). Finally, the DDU advises you to remember that your duty to raise a concern should override any ap- prehension you may have about doing so, and that you should take steps to resolve issues at a local level, where appropriate, before contacting the GDC. Dental pro- fessionals who are unsure wheth- er to raise a concern in the work- place should contact their defence organisation for advice. DT References: 1. & 2. GDC Principles of raising concerns at work, page 6, p.1.1; page 8, p.3.6 3. Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ ukpga/1998/23/contents About the author Mark Phillips has worked pedomi- nantly in NHS dental practices as an associate and principal for 25 years prior to joining the DDU. He continues to work one day a week as a clinical demonstrator in the Prosthetic depart- ment and has recently been appointed chairman of the Dental Undergradu- ate Admissions Panel at GKT. ‘The GDC guidance on raising concerns states that: “The duty to put patients’ interests first and act to protect them must override per- sonal and profes- sional loyalties’