Pershore MP welcomes extra funding for local NHS dental services
The MP for West Worcestershire has welcomed extra funding to boost NHS dental services in Pershore and Evesham.
Harriett Baldwin MP said that she was “pleased to hear NHS England is taking a constructive approach to try and find more local dentists who are prepared to commit to an area” following news of a £15,000 cash injection for local services. The one-off payment is designed to encourage dentists to stay in the NHS and is available to those who agree to stay in the area for up to five years.
Ms Baldwin has raised concerns over access to NHS dentistry in her constituency in the past after receiving a significant number of letters, emails and calls from residents who have been unable to see an NHS dentist. In some parts, capacities have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels and this means that it is difficult to get an appointment. There are also shortages in NHS dentists nationally, which is contributing to recruitment issues.
Recent data from NHS England suggests that there are currently two dental practices in the Pershore area accepting new patients, including Bupa Dental Care in Pershore and Upton Dental Surgery. Patients who don’t currently have a practice can find information on the NHS website.
News of extra funding for local services comes a year after a review conducted by NHS Hereford and Worcestershire CCG highlighted a decrease of 8% in the number of NHS dentists across the counties. A survey of local people also found that 40% of patients would not be able to afford to pay for a filling at a private practice at an average cost of £250.
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