>

Poll shows 59% in Rutland ‘unable to get an NHS dentist appointment’

By Robert Alexander - Local Democracy Reporting Service

2nd Feb 2024 | Local News

Local people are struggling to access dental care through the NHS in Rutland. Image credit: Nub News.
Local people are struggling to access dental care through the NHS in Rutland. Image credit: Nub News.

A poll suggests more than half of Rutlanders are unable to get an NHS dental appointment.

A Healthwatch Rutland poll in autumn 2023 questioned 123 people, across a range of ages, about their experience of access to NHS dentistry.

Tracey Allan-Jones, Healthwatch Rutland manager said: "There were some positive comments but the majority were negative. 'I can't afford to go private' and 'I just cannot get an appointment with the only NHS dentist here, even for an emergency' were typical of the feedback received."

She went on to add: "While we eagerly await the promised national dental care recovery plan, public feedback demonstrates that change is urgently needed now. Many people cannot afford private dentistry and are in pain and distress.

"We need a clear plan for improving local access to affordable routine and urgent dentalcare. We continue to press for improvements in NHS dentistry across Rutland."

The poll of 123 people represents 0.3% of the 41,000 people living in Rutland.

Healthwatch Rutland is the public's NHS health and social care champion. The organisation wants to hear the experiences of anyone who uses GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other NHS support services in the county.

As an independent statutory body, Healthwatch Rutland has the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision-makers listen to feedback, and can then improve standards of care.

For more information people can visit www.healthwatchrutland.co.uk/contact-us or call 01572 720381.

     

New oakham Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: oakham jobs

Share:

Related Articles

Rutland County Council has decided to go forward with proposal to add fluoride to the water. (Photo: Grace Kennington)
Local News

Rutland Council agrees to plans for water fluoridation despite controversy

There's lots of job opportunities available in and around Oakham this week. (Photo: Grace Kennington)
Local News

Jobs available in and around Oakham this week: Oakham Castle, Rutland Sailing Club and Cotton Traders

Sign-Up for our FREE Newsletter

We want to provide oakham with more and more clickbait-free local news.
To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following.
Help us survive and sign up to our FREE weekly newsletter.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X or click here.
We won't pass your details on to anyone else.
By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to our Privacy Policy.