In response to a recent article shared by Oakham Nub News, parents, pensioners and local people have shared their struggles accessing NHS dental care across Rutland.

Earlier this month, Healthwatch Rutland heard that dentists in Rutland are not accepting adults via the NHS - making dental care inaccessible for those on a low income across the county.

Healthwatch is an independent statutory body, which use the information provided to them by NHS users about their experiences with healthcare, to pass that information on to those involved in the commissioning of services so help improve services.

Speaking at the AGM of Healthwatch Rutland, Manager, Tracey Allan-Jones said: "The situation in Rutland remains that there are no practices in Rutland accepting adults, and there is limited capacity for children."

This came as no surprised to locals though, who have shared their experiences of being unable to access NHS dental care.

One mother said that her whole family were struggling, adding that "even my 4 year old can't get to see anyone."

Another Oakham-based mother shared that she "can't find an NHS dentist to take on my two children. It's appalling."

This is not exclusively an issue for parents though, and Karen, who has lived in the area for over four years, is yet to see a dentist. She said: "I was on a waiting list with a local dentist who I recently heard have stopped taking NHS patients. I wasn't event told by them that they had stopped accepting NHS patients."

Susan shared: "Unless you are rich and can afford private, you simply have to go without or be prepared to travel to find an NHS one - and when you are in desperate need of a dentist, it's just not good enough."

The message from residents across the county is similar, so Healthwatch Rutland are undertaking a survey throughout October to get feedback from local people about the situation.

Be sure to have your say before it is too late.

Alternatively, message Oakham Nub News on [email protected] to share your concerns about the local area and to get a conversation going - or to share your local news and events.

We look forward to hearing from you.