NHS Chiefs offer Assurance for Shetland Dental Patients
Health chiefs from NHS Shetland have offered dental patients assurances for the future, after their local dentist announced his retirement.
Alan Owen will retire in September and locals were worried that they would be left without a dentist, however, NHS Shetland has assured locals that steps are being taken to find a solution and discussions are underway.
The Owens have yet to find a buyer for their practice, which is contracted to the NHS and patients have panicked because they have received letters stating that they will be removed from the register as a result of Mr Owen’s retirement. Ralph Roberts, chief executive of the trust, has also sent out a letter, stating that NHS Shetland is working to find a solution to the problem and has promised to write again as soon as arrangements have been finalised.
Mr Roberts admitted that the situation was difficult but the trust is considering three different options, including employing a new dentist, sharing patients around existing dentists and practices and using other dentists to run the Owen’s business.
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