Health chiefs outline plans to boost dental access in Norfolk and Suffolk
Health chiefs have outlined plans to increase capacity and boost NHS dental access across Norfolk and Suffolk.
A procurement process for seven new contracts across the region is underway, with the application deadline set for September 13th.
Two of the contracts will be based in Lynn with additional services set to be launched in Norwich, Fakenham, Thetford, Leiston and Lowestoft.
News of improved dental services in the area will be welcomed by residents and North West Norfolk MP, James Wild, who recently conducted a survey that revealed that ¾ of constituents were unhappy with NHS dental provision. More than a third of those surveyed were not listed with a dental practice at the time of the poll.
Mr Wild said that he was pleased to hear that procurement for a host of new contracts was underway and relieved that his calls for urgent action to improve local services had been heeded.
For the moment, pressure on existing services is building but urgent dental care is still available for those in need. Patients who don’t have a regular dentist can contact NHS 111.
The new contracts are expected to come into force in July 2022. Reports suggest that the Lynn contracts will deliver approximately 22,000 units of activity per year each, while the Fakenham contract will deliver 15,000 units of dental activity.
Further information about the successful bidders and changes to service provision will be made once the tendering process is complete.
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