The Telegraph reports that dentists are twice as likely to be sued than a decade ago as “no win, no fee” lawyers use “aggressive tactics” to target the profession. The profession is also seeing a stark rise in the number of claims being made in relation to the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, as these cases tend to lead to substantially higher payouts - particularly in cases dating back decades.
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The Times reports that GPs are to vote on quitting the NHS and going private, calling for the BMA to help them to develop plans for charging patients. Doctors will also vent their frustration during the LMC conference next week at having to see more patients, insisting they should be able “to say ‘no’ without feeling guilt”.
The British Dental Industry Association and Federation of the European Dental Industry have issued a joint letter outlining their priorities for the ongoing Brexit negotiations. BDIA Chief Executive, Edmund Proffitt, comments, “The measures outlined by our associations would ensure that our industry is able to continue to provide access to innovative dental technology in the UK and throughout the EU.”
A Westminster Hall debate, initiated by Steve McCabe MP raised the issue of dental decay in children and the large numbers admitted to hospital for extractions. 14 MPs took part before junior health minister, Steve Brine MP, replied saying that prototypes would be extended for another two years before a new contract was rolled out.
The Sunday Telegraph has revealed that Coca-Cola threatened to cut investment in Britain if the Chancellor pressed ahead with plans for a sugar tax. Documents seen by the paper showed that during the Chancellor’s first week in office, the soft drinks giant warned privately that amid the “uncertainty” caused by the Brexit vote, the levy risked “our ability to maintain our investment in our UK operations”.
Read more: Coca-Cola ‘threatened to cut investment’ over sugar tax
Doctors, dentists, nurses and other health workers accused of misconduct face faster disciplinary action in the biggest overhaul of professional regulation for more than a century, a move that has already prompted anger from unions. The Department of Health is carrying out a consultation on the changes, which will run until January 2018.