Concerned dad raises fears over his son’s orthodontic treatment following South Cumbria clinic closure
A concerned dad from South Cumbria has shared his fears over his son’s orthodontic care, after a local clinic closed down. The closure has left the family facing the prospect of having to make a 3-hour round trip for treatment.
Daniel Stewart said that he was worried that his son, Isaac, 13, would have to travel to either Blackpool or Carlisle for treatment, after a surgery in Dalton shut down. Isaac needs braces, and his father is now concerned that his son will have to take time off school and he will have to take time off work to ensure he gets the treatment he requires. Typically, children have around 10 appointments during the course of treatment, which equates to a substantial amount of time, when factoring in the drive plus the appointment.
Daniel said that he was one of many parents in the local area who had concerns about the future of dental care after the closure of Abbey Orthodontic Specialist Practice in March. The clinic was the only one of its kind in the area.
A spokesperson for NHS North West said that the priority was to “ensure continuity of service for patients who are in active treatment.” All these patients are currently receiving care at other facilities, including Furness General Hospital, Barrow Special Dental Care Service and the Specialist Orthodontic Provider at Kendal. At the moment, those who are starting treatment may have to travel further afield, but the trust is working to secure a new orthodontic service provider in the area.
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