NHS Dumfries and Galloway defends decision to close dental clinic
Representatives from NHS Dumfries and Galloway have defended their decision to shut a dental clinic in the area. The board recently revealed that the Lochside dental facility would close in the coming weeks.
Campaigners reacted angrily to the decision to close the centre, which serves the north west area of Dumfries. There were claims that the clinic has been run-down and closing it down would create a gap in local services.
Valerie White, lead manager on the consultation, explained that the decision had been taken based on the findings of an oral health needs assessment. As part of the consultation process, patients in Lochside and Lincluden were invited to share their views and opinions.
The clinic is scheduled to close, but for now, patients have been advised to continue using it until further information is provided. Alternative arrangements will be put in place for those who use the facility once the clinic closes.
The decision to shut down the Lochside clinic has been criticised by local MPs, including Labour MSP, Colin Smyth, who accused the trust of showing “contempt for the community” and said that the move was an “unnecessary attack” on a deprived area. Mr Smyth’s colleague, Ronnie Nicholson described the decision as a “real blow”, while Conservative MSP Finlay Carson stated that the closure was a disappointment.
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