Many residents have contacted me regarding their concerns for local dentist provision, including registration difficulties, long waiting times for appointments, and the distances they are having to travel to access their dentist.
I recognise there are ongoing national issues with staff recruitment and retention which is causing difficulties for dental practices, particularly in areas like ours. This is an issue that I have raised directly with the Secretary of State for Health, in meetings with Ministers, and numerous times in the House of Commons Chamber.
Following Bupa’s announcement that it was closing 85 practices across the UK, I had multiple meetings with the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Minister for Primary Care and Public Health, Neil O’Brien MP. As a result of this meeting, the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board was able to confirm that in the medium term, dental provision would be dispersed to practices across the Bolsover District until a longer-term solution could be found to provide additional dental provision to my constituents.
It is important that anyone in need of emergency dental care, beyond routine treatment, is able to receive this. If you require emergency treatment, you should contact the NHS 111 service, which will be able to assess your needs and organise this treatment if appropriate.
Please rest assured this is one of my main priorities as your Member of Parliament and I will continue to work with the ICB, local partners, and Ministers to help establish better services locally, and ultimately provide better NHS care for residents. I will continue to work hard to ensure we have a fit-for-purpose NHS dental services across our constituency.
