New dental contract for Northumberland villages on track, NHS England confirms
Representatives from NHS England have confirmed that a new contract to provide villagers in Northumberland with new dental services is on track.
Following the closure of two dental surgeries in Rothbury and Hadston last year, NHS England set about trying to find a new dentist to take over the contract. In October 2017, Coquetdale Dental Practice ceased NHS operations, as the owner, Simon Francis, was unable to continue working due to personal circumstances.
After the clinics in Rothbury and Hadston closed, there was concern among local residents, who were worried about having to travel a long distance to see a dentist. Local councillors have been liaising with NHS England Cumbria and the North East over the last year to ensure that patients are able to access services as soon as possible.
At a recent meeting of Northumberland County Council’s health and wellbeing committee, it was confirmed that a new 7-year contract, which also has an optional 3-year extension, was given the green light in August.
The new contract will work on a split-site basis, with one surgery in Rothbury and the other near Amble and Hadston. The practice will have double the capacity of the previous centres.
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