Thousands left without NHS dental care in Wales
Around four thousand patients have been left without access to dental care following the closure of an NHS practice.
Just a few weeks ago, the NHS dentist from Adpar, near Newcastle Emlyn, retired and subsequently arrangements were made for an interim service provided by dentists in nearby Cardigan. However, the interim service has now been stopped and patients in the Ceredigion area have been left without NHS care. The Hywel Dda Health Board said that the service had been stopped due to issues with recruitment.
This latest situation is the most recent in a long run of similar incidents; in the last few years, the spotlight has fallen on the severe shortage of NHS dentists in certain areas of Wales. Hundreds of people have queued for places at new NHS practices, with many missing out because there simply aren’t enough places to go round.
Local Members of Parliament and party representatives have condemned the situation and called for a speedy solution. Liberal Democrat, Jonathan Edwards, said the situation was “unacceptable” and provision across areas of Wales needed to be improved as quickly as possible.
Now, the Health Board is trying to find alternative arrangements for local people, so that they can access the services they need as quickly as possible. Representatives are currently in negotiation with local care providers and have promised a solution as soon as possible. Patients are urged to use services in Carmarthen, Cardigan and Whitland for the meantime. Patients who require urgent dental care are advised to contact NHS Direct Wales.
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Wow, I thought Jonathan Edwards MP was a Plaid Cymru MP???
I can’t believe the NHS let the situation deteriorate so badly, thenagain this is the NHS we’re talking about. What’s even more unbelievable is that a private dentist hasn’t stepped in to capitalise on the plight of the unfortunate welsh. Even at discounted rates you’d make your money on the sheer number of customers/treatments whether its just check ups or full blown dental implants