---

Scottish Office

Answer

Mrs. Fyfe: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of patients who have had unnecessary treatment carried out by Mr. William Duff; how many of these have had their complaint upheld and received compensation in full; how many have been refused compensation on the grounds of their being time barred; and if he will review these cases. [12728] Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: [holding answer 28 January 1997]: The total number of patients who have received unnecessary treatment is not available. The national health service tribunal found that in 24 cases which were the subject of referrals to Greater Glasgow health board by the Scottish dental practice division, Mr. Duff had provided unnecessary treatment. In a further two cases where complaints were considered by the health board and which were the subject of appeals to my right hon. Friend, Mr. Duff was held to have provided such treatment. In one of the latter cases by right hon. Friend has directed that a sum be recovered from Mr. Duff for payment to the complainant to meet the cost of remedial treatment, and this has been set at the maximum contribution payable towards a course of NHS dental treatment. A similar direction is under consideration in the other case. In a total of 14 cases, complaints against Mr. Duff have not been considered by the health board's dental service committee because of the lateness of the complaint. In these circumstances the question of compensation does not arise. There are no provisions whereby the cases which have been determined can be reviewed.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

12728; 291 c453-4W;291 c453W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Complaints Dental services Compensation Dentistry Patients Scotland Duff, William

Contains statistics

Yes