Locals Await Decision on Future of Dental Services at Girvan Community Hospital
Anxious locals are awaiting a decision on the future of dental services at Girvan Community Hospital.
A dental patient contacted the local press to raise concerns about the future of the hospital after visiting for an appointment. As an elderly patient, they asked what health chiefs expected them to do if the local service closed and expressed concern and anxiety about getting to appointments at another facility and using public transport.
In response to the comments, representatives from NHS Ayrshire and Arran stated that no decision has been made about the service. However, Eddie Fraser, director of East Ayrshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership, suggested that the services currently offered at Girvan Community Hospital are being reviewed. The organisation is responsible for the day to day running of community dental services in the local area.
Mr Fraser stressed that no decision has yet been made and patients will be contacted in due course if there are any changes to the current set-up. At the moment, the small community service provides treatment for around 40 patients and 15 patients with additional dental needs, with a dentist visiting the hospital 2-3 days a month and a hygienist available once a month. The service is under review, but Mr Fraser stated that reviews are carried out regularly to ensure the services provided in the area meet the needs of patients and are as efficient as possible.
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