Helston Patients Facing Longer Trips to the Dentist

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Hundreds of NHS dental patients from Cornwall may be facing longer trips to the dentist following the retirement of a dentist in Helston.

Hundreds of people who were registered with the dentist are now facing trips to Redruth, Camborne, Penzance or Falmouth for treatment; however, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust said that it was trying to arrange alternative treatment at other Helston practices.

Following the retirement of one of the Helston dentists on March 31st, the NHS trust confirmed that there is now a waiting list of 1,586 people in Helston.

Bridget Sampson, director of primary care at NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said that the retiring dentist had encouraged patients to sign up with other practices and confirmed that the trust is currently working to accommodate patients in the local area. Anyone who has been left without a dentist is advised to join the waiting list and leave their contact details so that the trust can get in touch when places become available.

Speaking at the Helston Town Council meeting last week, Deputy Mayor Mike Thomas said that it was “shocking” that more than 1,500 are without a dentist and called for better access to NHS dental care.

 

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