Fears Grow for the Future of Dental Services in the Yorkshire Dales
Residents in the Yorkshire Dales are becoming increasingly concerned about the future of dental services in the area after it was revealed that one of the few practices currently providing treatment may close.
Currently there are surgeries in Leyburn, Bedale and Hawes, each of which are run by Alpha Group, a private chain that also provides treatment for NHS patients. However, there are concerns about the surgery in Leyburn as it has been confirmed that the existing practice, Brentwood Lodge, will close to make space for new housing. As the current contract relies on care to be provided by three rural practices, the future of services is now uncertain.
Upper Dales councillor John Blackie confirmed that local people are anxious about access to dental services and there is a degree of uncertainty about the future. He has, however, been assured by Alpha Dental’s Ian Gordon, that the existing services in Bedale are safe. The group is also working with the NHS to ensure that services in Leyburn and Hawes continue to be available to local residents.
Mr Blackie said that he intended to push for further reassurance, especially as residents and councillors fought so hard to get the services in Leyburn, Bedale and Hawes in the first place.
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