MP calls for urgent action to improve NHS dental access in Cumbria
The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron, has called for urgent action to improve NHS dental access in Cumbria after revealing that there are currently no adult places available in the county.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday 30th January, Mr Farron said that it was “utterly appalling” that patients in Cumbria were unable to get an NHS dental appointment. There is not a single place available for new patients, Mr Farron explained, and people are resorting to DIY dentistry or trying to access help via other services, such as GP surgeries and Accident and Emergency departments.
Mr Farron raised the matter after the government unveiled plans to boost NHS emergency services, help more people who are ready to be discharged from hospital to access care at home and reduce waiting times for urgent care. The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale criticised the plan, suggesting that it did nothing to help the thousands of people who are ending up in emergency departments because they can’t get a dental appointment.
Mr Farron urged the health secretary, Steve Barclay, to take action as quickly as possible, with more and more people struggling to access NHS dental care. NHS dentists are going private or leaving the profession and people simply cannot afford to pay for private treatment, Mr Farron suggested.
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