Funding boost confirmed for Peterborough’s Dental Access Centre
NHS England has confirmed a funding boost for Peterborough’s Dental Access Centre.
The facility, which is based at Midgate, is one of a number of clinics set to receive extra cash to ease an access crisis in the area. News of the funding comes after a review conducted by Healthwatch suggested that patients were struggling to get appointments in Peterborough and Wisbech.
England’s chief dental officer, Sara Hurley, has now seen the report, and confirmed that extra cash would be provided to support services currently running in the area. Peterborough’s NHS Access Centre provides a valuable, affordable service for local residents, but it is oversubscribed, and patients are finding it tough to get an appointment quickly. There are also many patients who can’t find local practices that are accepting new NHS patients.
Speaking about the situation, Ms Hurley said that there was “clear and compelling evidence” to support investment in preventative and routine dental services. As well as confirming additional funds for the region’s access centres, Ms Hurley also confirmed that she will carrying out a review of existing NHS oral health services involving surveying dental professionals. The results will be used to shape the service and address issues moving forward.
Healthwatch compiled its report in January 2019 and set about trying to find solutions working with NHS England. The document outlines issues in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, but these problems are symptomatic of a more widespread access crisis in England.
The amount of extra money that will be provided for the centre has not yet been revealed.
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