Greater Manchester Healthwatch reports surge in calls as patients struggle to see a dentist
The team at Greater Manchester Healthwatch has reported a surge in calls, as more and more residents struggle to see a dentist.
Reports from the watchdog suggest that a growing number of local people have been unable to access dental care, with NHS practices struggling to cope with an increase in demand for services. Patients have been ringing around every practice in the region to find that none are accepting new NHS patients or offering non-emergency appointments.
The watchdog also suggested that there are fears that a two-tier system has been created, as some patients have been offered private treatment instantly. One caller told the watchdog that they had contacted more than 40 dental surgeries to get an appointment for treatment for severe toothache. Another patient said they had been unable to get an appointment for their daughter with an NHS dentist but had been repeatedly offered private care.
Although the situation in Greater Manchester has deteriorated significantly due to the pandemic, the Healthwatch report highlights long-standing issues, which affected access in the area before the Covid-19 crisis. The study suggests that access has been a problem for more than 5 years, with insufficient NHS places available to cater to the level of demand.
Deputy chair of the Greater Manchester Healthwatch Network, Tracey McErlain-Burns, described the situation as “very worrying” and called for health bodies, dentists and ministers to work together to find solutions quickly.
Chair of Greater Manchester Local Dental Network and practising dentist, Mohsan Ahmad, said that practices are doing everything possible to increase capacity while working under restrictions in force to protect staff and patients. Emergency care is available through regular dentists and residents who do not have a dentist can contact the local helpline on 0333 332 3800.
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