Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures for the deregistration of patients from GK Dental Dumfries NHS Family Dental Practice in a manner that ensures clear communication, fairness, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Scope
This policy applies to all patients registered at GK Dental Dumfries NHS Family Dental Practice.
Reasons for Deregistration
The practice reserves the right to deregister patients under the following circumstances:
- Persistent non-attendance or late cancellations: If a patient cancels appointments with less than 48 hours' notice on three occasions and fails to attend two scheduled appointments without prior notice, they may be liable for deregistration by the practice.
- Abusive or threatening behavior towards staff or other patients.
- Termination arrangements as a result of non-payment of charges: The practice is liable to terminate arrangements with patients who exhibit abusive, patronizing, or threatening behavior.
Acts of Violence or Threats
Patients who commit an act of violence or have made a dentist or their staff fearful for their safety will be reported to the police, and a copy of all communication will be kept.
Appeals Process
Patients who wish to appeal their deregistration can do so by submitting a written appeal to the Practice Manager within 14 days of receiving the deregistration notice. The appeal should include:
- Patient’s full name
- Date of birth
- Contact information
- Grounds for appeal
The Practice Manager will review the appeal and respond in writing within 14 days of receipt.
Entitlement to Emergency Services
Following the issuance of a deregistration notice, the patient will be entitled to receive emergency dental services from GK Dental Dumfries NHS Family Dental Practice for a period of three months. After this period, the patient will need to seek alternative dental services.
Notification Process
The practice will notify the patient of the deregistration decision by phone or email and follow up with written confirmation within 7 days.
Data Protection and Record Keeping
All patient information, including deregistration notices and related correspondence, will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR. Patient records will be securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel.
Communication
The deregistration policy will be made available to patients upon registration and can be requested at any time. It will also be accessible on the clinic’s website and at the GK Dental Dumfries NHS Family Dental Practice reception.
Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and best practices.
Practice Manager | Tracy Bell
By maintaining a clear and fair deregistration policy, GK Dental Dumfries NHS Family Dental Practice ensures that all patients are treated with respect and transparency throughout their care journey.