New NHS dental surgery for Winchester (From Hampshire Chronicle)

New NHS dental surgery for Winchester

5:10pm Friday 27th November 2009

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RELIEF could be in store for thousands of Wintonians seeking NHS dental care, with a new practice set to open.

It could treat up to 9,500 people each year, says Hampshire Primary Care Trust, which is funding the scheme.

It is taking bids from dentists who want to run the service, which could open by March 2010.

Natalie Jones, lead commissioning manager of primary care dental services for NHS Hampshire, said treating more patients was a priority.

She said: “Since 2006 we have committed £15m to do this and have prioritised areas across Hampshire on clinical need and current access.

“As part of this ongoing assessment Winchester and the surrounding rural area has been identified as one of a number of priority areas.”

Health bosses are yet to decide where to put the surgery, and patients will not be able to register until it opens.

It will be the first time since Hampshire PCT was formed in 2006 that a new NHS dentist has opened in the district.

At present, 11 Winchester surgeries treat NHS patients, and new ones are only taken on when spaces arise.

Patients seeking places have to keep asking, as Hampshire PCT does not keep a waiting list.

Age Concern Hampshire says the lack of spaces is a major concern for pensioners. It was listed as the eighth biggest problem in a survey by the charity, just behind utility bills and council tax.

Its director, Chris Perry, said: “I think it’s virtually impossible to find a place in Winchester.”

He added: “We’re delighted that they’re going to open a new surgery as it’s a major concern for older people, especially with the cost of dentistry.

“A lot of people have money tied up in property and you can’t spend your house on dental care.”

Elizabeth Green, 78, of Westman Road in Weeke, is amongst those looking for NHS dentists.

She hit the headlines after pulling out two teeth in 2007 when she could find nobody to treat her.

This week, she said: “I was looking for a dentist for a long time but they just kept saying ‘we don’t want any more people’.”

She added: “If I could get a place, then I would still like one.”

Martin Tod, Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Winchester, highlighted her case when it first emerged.

This week, he said: “I've been pushing to get extra NHS dentist places for Winchester for over two years, so I’m very pleased to see this plan for a new centre.

“There's a real need for these new places. There was a collapse in the number of people going to NHS dentists after Labour brought in a new contract for dentists in March 2007.

“The numbers are now recovering, but they're still below what they were.”

When the new surgery opens, Hampshire PCT hopes it will operate seven days a week.

Patients who want to know if NHS dental places are available near them can call 0845 050 8345.

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