Highlands MSP expresses concerns over access to NHS dental services
The Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, David Stewart, has expressed concerns over access to NHS dental services in the region, after receiving complaints from constituents.
Mr Stewart said that local people had contacted him after being referred from NHS dental services to high street practices, which were not always able to guarantee NHS treatment. Some people have complained about being referred to independent contractors without the promise of NHS care, and others have been left waiting for treatment because they weren’t made aware that they needed to make arrangements to obtain NHS treatment. One of the patients who contacted Mr Stewart said that he had waited a year for a routine check-up because he hadn’t been informed that he needed to make arrangements for the appointment with an NHS provider.
Referrals are now commonplace, as the government in Scotland has reduced funding for public dentists. The theory is that patients who don’t require specialist dental services should be able to access the care they need through high street practices. However, there have clearly been instances where the system hasn’t worked, and many local people are worried about accessing affordable dental treatment. High street surgeries can take patients on as NHS patients, but they can also remove them from the register.
Mr Stewart has now written to NHS Highland and he plans to discuss the matter with colleagues in the near future.
Join this Discussion