Tyneside Dental Project Scoops National Award
A dental project in North Tyneside has received a national award; the scheme, which provides dental care for children in care, has been recognised at the Patient Experience Network awards.
The scheme, which caters for children who are living in care, was set up by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; the dental team works with the professionals responsible for the care of the children to ensure that children receive continuity of care and always have access to regular dental appointments.
The project initially began as a pilot scheme in 2010 and has continued to flourish and the team has now picked up a national award in recognition of the scheme. Members of the dental team, including Jo Mackintosh, Susan Cartwright, Michelle Hedquist and Alex Rushworth, were pictured with the ‘Continuity of Care’ award at the Patient Experience Network awards.
Dr Alex Rushworth, community dental officer and project coordinator, said that everyone was very excited to receive the award in recognition of the success of the scheme. Northumbria Dental Service already made provision for children in care; however, the scheme enables the dental team to build more robust relationships with children in care.
Annie Laverty, director of patient experience at the trust, said that the project was “truly unique” because it provided a tailor-made service for children in care.
The scheme provides oral health promotion services for children and adults in the region.
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