Plans to Increase Dental Access Approved
07/04/2006
The Department of Health has today confirmed that a bid submitted by the county’s three Primary Care Trusts to increase access to NHS dentistry has been successful, clearing the way for two new dental practices – one in Cheltenham and one in Gloucester.
The Gloucester Practice will be based in Eastgate Street (an expansion of the current Practice) and it is hoped that the location of the Cheltenham Practice will be confirmed shortly.
The plan is for the Gloucester Practice to be up and running by Autumn 2006, providing four new dental surgeries (4 new dentists) and catering for 10,000 patients.
The Cheltenham Practice should be open by early 2007, providing 3 dental surgeries (3 dentists) catering for 7,500 patients.
Chief Executive of West Gloucestershire PCT, Stephen Golledge said:
“This is part of an on-going commitment to increase availability of NHS dentistry. We have been working very hard as a PCT to improve the position and today’s announcement is a significant step in the right direction.”
Assistant Director, Operations at Cheltenham and Tewkesbury PCT, Sue Adams said:
“We know that improving access to dental services is very high on the public’s priority list and this is a wonderful opportunity to develop a new practice dedicated to NHS Dentistry. We look forward to progressing our plans in an effort to open the new Cheltenham Practice in 2007.”
Chris Morton, Assistant Director for Primary Care Contracts at Cotswold and Vale PCT, which has the county lead for NHS Dentistry said:
“The three Primary Care Trusts have worked closely together to develop this bid and we have no doubt that this will benefit patients across the county. Although we are delighted with today’s announcement we are not complacent as we recognise that more needs to be done to further improve access to NHS Dentistry.”
Today’s announcement builds on the Gloucestershire Dental Action Plan, which has already extended NHS access through the opening of two new dental centres in the Forest of Dean (2004) and Gloucester (2005).
Arrangements for patients to join the new Practices will be finalised within the next few months and further advice on this will be published this Summer.
The NHS has asked for patients not to contact the dental helpline or visit the existing Gloucester Practice with enquiries concerning the new Practices until further arrangements for patients wishing to join have been agreed and published widely.
