Dental access issues deepen in Norfolk as another practice goes private
Dental access issues are deepening in Norfolk, as another practice switches to private treatment.
The owners of Church Street Dental Practice in Attleborough have contacted patients to let them know that NHS services will no longer be available from the end of November. The practice is one of a series of clinics that have stopped NHS care in recent months.
Norfolk is one of the worst affected areas in terms of NHS dental access issues, with patients already struggling to get appointments and more and more practices cutting down or stopping NHS services altogether.
In a letter to patients, the team explained that it had been impossible to fill vacancies left behind by two dentists who have taken retirement. The letter highlighted a lack of investment by governments over several years as a contributing factor along with increasing running costs.
From November 30th, the practice will provide private treatment only. Patients who wish to take advantage of private services have been advised to contact the surgery to make an appointment.
Recently, Manor House dental surgery in Long Stratton also shut due to financial difficulties. According to Healthwatch, an independent patient support and campaign group, dental problems have become the most common reason for getting in touch. Over 70% of calls and messages are related to dental access issues.
A recent BBC study suggested that 90% of UK practices don’t have capacity for new NHS adult patients. In Norfolk, researchers were unable to find any NHS surgeries taking on new adult patients.
For more news click here.
Join this Discussion