Conwy patient raises concerns over local dental provision after calling helpline hundreds of times
A man from Conwy, Wales, has raised concerns over local dental provision after struggling to get an appointment while suffering from severe pain.
Rob Jewell, an education officer at Gwynedd Council, called the dental helpline hundreds of times after developing intense pain when his filling fell out. Mr Jewell contacted NHS 111 and was given the number of the North West Wales emergency dental hotline.
Despite trying the number up to 50 times per day for three weeks, Mr Jewell was never able to speak to anyone. Every time he called, he had to listen to a recorded message, which explained that during busy periods, patients would be unlikely to be able to get through.
Mr Jewell was taking painkillers to ease the discomfort, but he knew he needed treatment. He tried to call several local dental practices but was informed that none were accepting new patients. He couldn’t even see a private dentist because none were offering urgent appointments.
Mr Jewell wanted to share his story in a bid to highlight the gravity of the situation and encourage ministers and health bodies to do more to support local dental services and increase capacity.
At a recent meeting at the Senedd, MS Jane Dodds voiced concerns about access to dental care in Mid and West Wales and health minister, Eluned Morgan, confirmed that there were substantial backlogs. The government has increased funding to provide an additional £2 million for NHS dental practices, but there is a shortage of dentists, which is contributing to treatment delays and access issues.
Baroness Morgan has called for the development of a new 10-year strategy to tackle shortfalls and improve the NHS dental system.
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