Aberdeenshire MP urges dental patients to make use of NHS helplines
The MP for Banff and Buchan, Aberdeenshire, is urging patients to make use of NHS dental helplines.
David Duguid has encouraged patients who are looking for a local dentist and those who need treatment to utilise NHS phone lines and websites to access information and assistance.
Data suggests that NHS practices in the area are currently operating at 60% capacity. Mr Duguid said that he has been contacted by a number of constituents in recent weeks who have been struggling to get appointments. There are waiting lists and appointment numbers are limited, but the helplines can provide advice and information about where patients can access treatment.
The NHS Grampian dental helpline is available from 8am to 6pm on 0345 4565 990. The line is staffed by trained dental nurses who can help patients who are looking for dental services, as well as those who have symptoms and need treatment. Outside of working hours during evenings and weekends, patients who need urgent treatment can use the NHS24 service by calling 111. There is also information available at nhsgrampian.org.
Mr Duguid said that capacity is currently “far too low” and stressed that practices are looking to increase appointment numbers in the coming weeks. There are still restrictions in place, which are designed to limit the spread of Covid that impact capacity.
Mr Duguid called for more support from the Scottish Government to help NHS practices tackle backlogs and reduce waiting times to prevent constituents from being “left in limbo.”
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