A serious inquiry has been in progress into the death of a dentist. The British Dental Association has launched an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of the dentist Dr Anand Kamath. Last week, in Wakefield a verdict was reached that Dr Kamath committed suicide. Reports were released that Dr Kamath was a victim of harassment and bullying caused by his primary care trust PCT.
An investigation was set into motion by Airedale, Bradfield and Leeds PCT into Dr Kamath and the running of his practice. Information surfaced that allegations were being made against Dr Kamath and his practice involving poor record keeping. Threats of being reported to the GDC were made against Dr Kamath by his PCT, as described at the inquest. His suicide took place just five days after meetings with PCT officials. Dr John Milne warned PCTs in June 2012 about bullying and aggressive behaviour. He maintained that it was unacceptable.
The BDA have addressed in writing, Earl Howe (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health in England) asking for consideration to be established to current contracts where dentists may be suffering from unreasonable levels of pressure or stress due to inappropriate dealings by the now non-functioning PCTs. The BDA is also seeking assurance that new PCTs who will be established in the newly restructured NHS, the new Area Teams will abandon previous aggressive behaviour and will assume a proportionate, respectable approach in their relationships and communications with dentists and practitioners.
Dr John Milne was reported to say, ‘The sad death of Dr Kamath is not the first suicide by a dentist under pressure in this way, but it must be the last. It is important that an independent inquiry looks closely at these events and how investigations are carried out.’