Dentist named and shamed by ombudsman

A Stone dentist has been named and shamed by the Health Service Ombudsman for repeatedly refusing to apologise to a patient.

A woman identified as Mrs D claimed Rajesh Narendranath was “rude and unprofessional” and hurt her in 2007. Ombudsman Ann Abraham said she hoped naming him would prompt an apology.

The dentist, from the Stone Family Dental Practice in Radford Street, told the Ombudsman he felt he had already apologised in a letter to the General Dental Council.

In a report laid before Parliament, Ms Abraham said she hoped her decision would prompt him to issue a “long overdue” apology. This is the first time Ms Abraham has published a report “specifically to alert Parliament to a healthcare professional’s refusal to put things right following a complaint”.

Mr Narendranath, who is known as Mr Nath, was directed to apologise to the patient by the Healthcare Commission in April 2008.

The patient claimed Mr Nath had hurt her during consultations to treat a broken crown and toothache between July and September 2007.

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But despite the Healthcare Commission upholding Mrs D’s complaint, Mrs D did not receive an apology and she took the matter to the General Dental Council and the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman then investigated the matter and upheld Mrs D’s complaint, ruling Mr Nath should acknowledge his failings in full, apologise to Mrs D and also pay £500 in compensation.

Ms Abraham’s report said: “I consider Mr Nath’s unwillingness to comply with recommendations of professional bodies raises concerns about his fitness to practise, sufficient to constitute a risk to the health and safety of patients.”

In the report, Ms Abraham stated: “Mr Nath told us he considered that Mrs D had had an apology and that his representative’s letter to the GDC constituted an apology.

“He said he had tried to address his shortcomings and he had sent more than one apology. He also said that he would not pay Mrs D any compensation.”