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Amanda Martin MP Addresses Urgent NHS Dental Care Crisis in Portsmouth

By 25/07/2024September 1st, 2024No Comments
Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Amanda Martin newly elected MP for Portsmouth North, is calling for immediate action to address the critical shortage of NHS dental services in Portsmouth following the sudden closure of local dental practices. The Astradent Dental Group, which operated Kingston Crescent Dental Surgery and Northern Road Dental Surgery, has recently entered administration, leaving numerous residents without essential dental care.

Critical Situation for Portsmouth Residents

Amanda Martin has received letters from constituents highlighting the severe impact of these closures. Residents have reported cancelled appointments, lost advance payments, and significant difficulties in finding new NHS dental services. Constituents described their frustration at the lack of communication regarding the closures.

“The current situation is dire,” stated Amanda Martin. “Patients, including those with special needs and disabilities, are left without access to necessary dental care. The sudden closure of these practices without notice is unacceptable and has caused significant distress to our community.”

Immediate Steps and Long-term Solutions

In response to these pressing issues, Amanda Martin has been in contact with the Department of Health de Social Care, emphasising the need to improve NHS dental service availability in Portsmouth. Additionally, she has received an update from Hampshire and lsle of Wight NHS, confirming that Astradeat Dental Group has entered administration, further exacerbating the crisis.

I am committed to advocating for our community and ensuring that we receive the dental care services we desperately need,” Martin continued. “The Labour Government in its manifesto recognised that the decline over the last 14 years of the conservatives has resulted in a severe crisis in NHS dentistry and is therefore committed to implementing significant reforms to improve the situation by:

1. Renegotiation of NHS Dental Contracts: Labour plans to renegotiate dental contracts to better recruit and retain NHS dentists. This includes increasing the remuneration for NHS dental work to make it more attractive for dentists to offer NIS services Dentistrv.co.uk)

(British Dental Aracation)

2. Immediate Increase in Urgent Appointments: Labour has pledged to provide an additional 700,000 urgent dental appointments, ensuring that those in immediate need can access care promptly (British Dental Association).

3. Long-term Contract Reforms: Labour intends to replace the current system with a patient. centered, prevention-focused, capitation-based contract. This new model aims to provide sustainable and accessible dental care for all (British Dental Association).

Support and Advocacy

Amanda Martin understands the sever frustrations and encourages residents affected by the closures to contact NIS England for assistance in finding alternative NHS dental services. She also recommends reaching out to Healthwatch Portsmouth for additional support and advocacy.

NHS England Customer Contact Centre: 0300 311 2233

Healthwatch Portsmouth: 023 9354 1510

Looking Ahead

Amanda Martin is dedicated to working alongside a Labour Government, towards long-term solutions to ensure reliable and accessible NHS dental care for all residents of Portsmouth.

“The closure of these dental practice is a devastating blow to our community. I am committed to ensuring that immediate support and long-term solutions are put in place to address the dental care crisis in Portsmouth. We need urgent action to protect the health of our residents and to ensure that no one is left without access to essential dental services”.

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