MP Criticises Dental Shake-up in Teesside
A local MP has criticised plans for a shake-up in NHS dental services in Teesside.
Labour MP for Stockton North, Alex Cunningham, claims that proposals outlined by South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will leave some residents at a disadvantage.
The trust is planning to centralise dental services in the area and open a specialist orthodontic centre as part of the shake-up. The centre will provide specialist orthodontic treatment from The Friarge in North Allerton and James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. As a result of the changes, services will cease at Darlington Memorial Hospital, Bishop Auckland Hospital and the University Hospitals of North Tees and Hartlepool.
Mr Cunningham claims that the proposals would increase journey time for residents of County Durham, who already have to travel long distance for specialist treatment and urged the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to reconsider the move and establish specialist services north of the Tees.
A spokesperson for the trust said that most treatments can be provided in a community setting and the number of patients being referred to hospital has decreased significantly. Jill Moulton, director of planning, added that the changes will enhance the patient experience for those who require specialist treatment and contribute to them receiving better standards of patient care.
The changes are due to take place from January next year.
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