A WEST Somerset dental practice is having its NHS contract terminated following criticism by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The CQC carried out an unannounced visit in February to Holloway House Dental Surgery, Minehead, which has 17 staff and is owned and run by Dr Ajith George Behanan.

The inspectors found not all regulations were met and the ‘completeness of patient care records required immediate improvement’.

They said: “There was a lack of effective leadership, and not all risks associated with the undertaking of regulated activities had been suitably identified and mitigated.

“Improvement was needed to ensure infection control procedures reflected published guidance.

“Management of the availability of emergency equipment and medicines required improvement to ensure national guidance was followed.

“The practice had not carried out risk assessments in relation to the safe storage and handling of every substance hazardous to health in use by staff.

“Staff did not manage prescriptions in line with current guidance.”

However, they said staff treated patients with ‘dignity and respect and ensured access to care, support, and treatment when required’.

Patients to whom the inspectors spoke were happy with the practice and all but one would recommend it to family or friends.

An NHS Somerset spokesperson said a process to terminate Holloway House’s NHS contract had been started and there were ‘ongoing discussions regarding local resolution’.

The spokesperson said: “The practice currently remains open, and patients can attend appointments and receive treatment.

“As with all dental practices, if the practice cannot accommodate a request for urgent dental care, patients should contact NHS 111.”

In the meantime, an online petition started by Holloway House dentist Dr Aditya Jayan has been signed by nearly 1,200 people.

Dr Jayan said: “We urge the NHS to reconsider their decision to withdraw the contract and engage in transparent dialogue with us to find a viable solution.”