UK regional ministers and MPs are active in securing dental services for their constituents
Across the UK, government ministers and MPs take steps to secure dental services for their constituents, such as those in Newcastle Emlyn, Wales. In a recent statement to the Minister of Health, Assembly Member (AM) for Newcastle Emlyn, Rhodri Glyn Thomas, raised local concerns about dental provision.
The Minister of Health responded that assistance would be provided to the local health board in establishing a provision to offer treatment to people in Newcastle Emlyn. Welsh Labour Party AM for Gower, Edwina Hart MBE, said “I give you my commitment that I will do what I can to assist the local health board.”
Two or more dentists are willing to establish practices in Newcastle Emlyn depending on Welsh Government funding. The area is in drastic need of dental services after a retired dentist closed his surgery leaving 4,000 patients without care. Most of these people now travel to Whitland and Cardigan for dental care while solutions are still in review.
The Financial Times reports that West Wales, where Newcastle Emlyn is located, is currently ear-marked by Tory Lib-Dems for cuts that could drop their economic outlook by 3.3 percent in comparison to more affluent areas in England expected to see a 1.5 percent decline. Such funding declines in West Wales also impact dentistry provision. While certain MPs and AMs back these cuts, Jonathan Edwards MP, Nerys Evans AM and Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM are striving for a fairer playing field and dental solutions for residents.
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