Dental patients warned of infection risk

THOUSANDS of patients at a dental clinic in North Berwick have been sent letters warning of concerns over infection control measures.

An inspection at the Law Road Dental Practice found that some procedures, such as the decontamination of instuments, did not meet national standards.

NHS Lothian said risk of infection was low but has written to 3500 patients and staff.

Dr Christine Evans, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Lothian, said: “We are working closely with local and national experts and have concluded there is a very low risk of infection to patients.

“While general infection control procedures were in place, it was found that a small number of infection control procedures did not comply with national standards.

“Our priority is always the safety and welfare of patients and NHS Lothian has therefore decided to write to inform them of this matter. The letter stresses that no action is required by the patient, but further advice and testing will be available if anyone remains concerned having read the letter and after calling the dedicated helpline.”