Steve Brine MP has flagged concerns raised with him about access to NHS dentistry services.
Following a post-Covid increase in casework on the subject, the MP challenged Ministers in the House of Commons.
He said; “A pattern is emerging of a backlog and problems in accessing NHS dentistry. An increasing number of constituents are contacting me having gone to their NHS dentist with an acute dental problem only to be told either that NHS patients are no longer being seen or that they have fallen off the list.”
Dental Minister, Maria Caulfield MP, responded; “We have had many cross-party meetings with colleagues about dentistry, with many raising constituency issues that we have followed up. He should speak to his local commissioners, because there can sometimes be local problems with the commissioning of dental services. However, now that we are moving towards 95% of usual activity—a significant change compared with last year— I hope that his constituents will be able to access services more easily.”
Mr Brine has subsequently this week met with the new Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System, which assumes full legal responsibility for commissioning all NHS services from July 1st.
He adds; “It’s clear we have an issue here, not for everyone, but for those who cannot afford to just go private and I am determined the new local NHS will come to their aid. Our care system, unlike other parts of the country, will assume responsibility for dental services and that makes every sense because otherwise people will simply end up in A&E with more acute dental problems.
“I’ve asked the ICS to work with me on those practices locally which need supporting out of Covid and to ensure there is a level of access to NHS dentistry services which genuinely meets the need.”
Steve Brine is asking constituents in Winchester and Chandler’s Ford to contact him directly with their experiences too assist his work. They should go to www.stevebrine.com/nhsdentistry or call 0207 219 7189.
