Q: How is a concern reported to NHS England?

A: If there are any concern(s) that you wish to report to NHS England then please email the concern(s) to the following generic email address england.northwestprofessionalstandards@nhs.net where it will be reviewed by NHS England.

Q: Does NHS England report / share concern(s) with the General Dental Council (GDC)?

A: NHS England can report / share concerns with the GDC. The decision to report / share concern(s) with the GDC is done a case-by-case basis, and if the decision is made to report / share the concern(s) with the GDC the practitioner will be informed of this by the case manager.

Q: What outside organisations do NHS England have links with?

A: NHS England has connections with the LDC representatives for the North-West, Dental Practitioner Advice and Support Scheme (DPASS) which offers support to a practitioner when required and Practitioner Performance Advice (PPA). Other support is available to practitioners, and this is supplied as part of the information provided when a case file is opened against a practitioner.

Q: What is DPASS and how does this relate to a performance concern(s)?

A: DPASS schemes were instigated to offer support to practitioners who were identified by various means as having fallen behind where they need to be in terms of their professional requirements. Triggers for DPASS intervention come from a variety of sources including soft intelligence, patient complaints, concerns raised by fellow practitioners or by practice staff. PAG may request that a practitioner be referred to DPASS for support. Practitioners can also self-refer to DPASS if they wish.

Q: Should I involve my MDO?

A: NHS England recommend that if a case is opened regarding concern(s) raised that you actively involve your MDO as they have experience in these matters and can offer support and guidance when required. Having the involvement of an MDO does not change the management of your case with NHS England but it is the practitioner’s choice to involve them or not.

Q: What support is available to a practitioner if a concern is raised with NHS England and how can I access this support?

A: Occupational health support is available, and the case manager refer if required. This is done on a case-by case basis. NHS Practitioner Health Service supports mental health, including stress. This is not an occupational health service; it is a treatment service and is offered to dentists and optometrists as well as GPs. To contact this service please visit practitionerhealth.nhs.uk or call 0300 0303 300.

NHS England provides a broader package of support for practitioners. The service is an important part of NHS England’s commitment to help retain a healthy and resilient workforce and in supporting practitioners who wish to remain in, or return to, clinical practice after a period of ill health. This information can be found on the below link: www.england.nhs.uk/gphealthservice. The Sick Doctor Trust provides support and help to doctors, dentists and medical students who are concerned about their use of drugs and alcohol. Further information can be found at sick-doctors-trust.co.uk or call 0370 444 5163. DPASS provides a supportive process for dentists who find themselves in difficulty. dpass.online/contact-us. A practitioner may also wish to contact their local LDC representative to discuss matters further and gain advice.

Q: Is there a named contact if a concern is raised against a practitioner and a case opened?

A: When a case is opened against a practitioner, that practitioner is allocated a case manager who is the main contact for any advice, discussions, emails, or queries. The case manager is responsible for managing your case at NHS England. The case manager will be supported by a clinical advisor.

Q: If NHS England has to take immediate action against a practitioner (i.e., suspension to protect patients) what happens next?

A: Suspension is seen as a neutral act and NHS England will support accordingly. If this does occur, NHS England advise the practitioner to speak with their case manager about next steps and how to access the support available to a practitioner (as mentioned above). A practitioner may be entitled to suspension payments and information will be provided to guide you through the process of claiming. NHS England also advise that a practitioner contacts their MDO to seek support in this situation.

Q: What happens if a practitioner transfers to a different region?

A: A practitioner would need to log into PCSE online (all practitioners should have been provided with log in details) and complete the necessary transfer request. Once the regional team have received the transfer request it would need to be authorised. If the practitioner has an open case, then that would typically be transferred to the new team (unless there was a specific reason not to do so), as the open case file will follow the practitioner until the case is closed by NHS England.