The Lochboisdale dentist’s surgery is to close for good in a fortnight on the grounds of “quality and safety.”
Western Isles NHS ruled the clinic would shut “as soon as practicable” with a closure date of Thursday 13th April.
According to the health authority, “alternative facilities in the Uist and Barra Hospital along with a second surgery in Linaclete will readily absorb the demand.”
The 100 or so patients undergoing active treatment will have their care continued at Linicleit.
The 1102 adults and 289 children registered will be notified of the closure and the alternative arrangements put in place, said the health board..
A health board statement said: “A range of failings were identified during a recent environmental audit undertaken at Lochboisdale Dental Clinic by the NHS Western Isles Infection Prevention and Control Team.
“The extent and wide range of issues identified means that the premises cannot be rendered fully fit for purpose.
“This has resulted in the decision being taken to close the surgery on quality and safety grounds, and to provide services for current patients in alternative premises.”
The health board insisted: “Alternative facilities exist (one surgery in the Uist and Barra Hospital) and a second surgery in Linaclete, which will readily absorb the demand.”
The statement continued: “As part of the process of ensuring that national HAI (Healthcare Associated Infection) standards are met, and the contents of the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual complied with, as well as ensuring that the quality of infection control practice is of a high standard, the Infection Prevention and Control Team applied an Environmental Audit Tool for Dental surgeries on February 22.
“This audit tool defines the acceptable standards for a managed environment which minimises the risk of infection to patients being cared for, as well as staff.
“The audit of Lochboisdale revealed a range of failings. Some of these relate to, and have been addressed by, changes in working practice.”
Cleaning schedules are under review to ensure they are specific to the premises, said the health board .
It added: “There are, however, underlying problems with the building itself. The clinic is old, and its construction renders it vulnerable to damp, both penetrating and as a result of condensation.
“Floor coverings have deteriorated. Storage space is inadequate, making segregation of clean and dirty goods difficult. There is inadequate space to allow staff changing, rest space, and toilet facilities for both patients and staff.
“Lochboisdale Dental Clinic building cannot be brought up to standard. The existing footprint does not provide sufficient space for surgery, waiting area, reception, toilets, clean and dirty storage, compressor, and staff rest.
Lochboisdale dental surgery axed over “quality and safety” concerns
30 March 2017