Lengthy Waiting Lists for NHS Dentist in Penzance
Almost 2000 people are waiting to register with an NHS dental practice in Penzance, it has been revealed.
The waiting list is worryingly long, despite the opening of a new surgery last year and local MP, Andrew George, has called for health bosses to take action.
The West Cornwall MP said that too many local people are still waiting to join a practice, despite efforts by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust. In a letter written by Steve Moore, chief executive of the PCT, in October, it was revealed that more than 4000 people in the local area were waiting to see an NHS dentist. Since the letter was sent to Mr George the numbers have dropped considerably, but 1814 people are still on the waiting list.
Mr George said that it was unacceptable that there was no waiting list in Truro but over a thousand people waiting in nearby Penzance.
A new dental centre for children opened in August after two dental practices stopped taking on NHS patients and the waiting list was reduced after the opening, however, more is needed to enable those on the list to get the treatment they require. The Lescudjack Children’s Centre has capacity for 3,500 people and another local practice has expanded to take on more patients but the situation has not been helped by the retirement of a dentist and an NHS dentist resigning their contract, according to Bridget Sampson, deputy director for medicines management and primary care at the PCT.
Anyone who is currently on the waiting list can access emergency dental care at the Bellair Health Clinic.
Join this Discussion
