Folkestone dental practice closes without warning
A dental practice in Folkestone has closed suddenly without prior warning. Patients at Earlsgate Dental Practice learned of the closure by means of a note posted on the door of the surgery last week.
The note simply said that the practice had lost its contract with the NHS and would remain closed. The unexpected closure of the practice has left patients with questions about accessing dental treatment and some have also expressed concerns about their notes and dental records.
The NHS confirmed that the owners of practice had contacted the board to confirm that they would no longer be able to offer dental treatment and the practice officially closed on Friday 10th November. It has since emerged that patients first heard about the closure on Wednesday 8th November when a note was found on the door. Patients had been unable to get through on the phone and they found a piece of paper explaining the situation hanging on the front door. The answerphone message now also says that the surgery has shut.
A spokesperson for the NHS has assured patients that the practice owner has been reminded of their responsibilities in relation to passing on patient records. The NHS has also made arrangements for patients who were undergoing treatment to complete the course at other NHS dental practices in Folkestone. No further information about the reasons why the practice closed have been confirmed.
Patients who were registered with the practice have been advised to contact the Kent Dental Helpline or visit the NHS Choices website to find out more about other practices that are currently offering NHS places in the area.
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