The NHS is to look at “alternative models of service delivery” after failing to land two new dentists in Spalding.
As previously reported in The Voice, plans to open full-time dental surgeries at the Johnson Hospital and Winsover Road have been shelved with the companies behind them citing recruitment problems as the reason.
An emergency dental service is continuing for those that need it at the Johnson Hospital, but thousands remain without a nearby NHS dentist.
Coun Carl Macey, who chairs Lincolnshire County Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee, said of five NHS dental surgeries intended to open in January, only two (in Lincoln and Sleaford), had been able to do so.
His address to the committee said: “Regrettably, owing to the difficulties experienced by both JDSP Dental Ltd and Community Dental Services CiC in recruiting qualified dentists, the new services identified for Boston, Spalding and Johnson Community Hospital, Spalding, will not start in January 2019 as originally planned.
“NHS England is disappointed not to have these new services mobilised in January so that patients can access NHS dental services in these areas.
“We have had frequent meetings with both preferred providers during the mobilisation period and supported them where appropriate.
“However, despite the preferred providers exploring a number of options, they have not been able to find the workforce required to operate these services safely from January.
“Discussions are now taking place as a priority with the preferred providers, internal colleagues and other stakeholders to consider alternative models of service delivery and workforce solutions.
“This will enable us to understand the local context and the impact of any alternative approaches before we consider next steps.
“I am pleased to advise that Community Dental Services CiC and other local providers in Spalding have confirmed they are able to continue with the interim urgent dental service that is currently in place.
“This means patients will be able to access urgent dental care if needed, although we do acknowledge the importance of ensuring patients are also able to access routine dental care.”
The news that Spalding was not going to have new dental surgeries after all prompted many readers to get in touch with The Voice to express their concern at the situation.
Many were parents of children who have never been able to have regular six-monthly check-ups but rely on emergency care when they need it.
South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes suggested that NHS England offer incentives to recruit key health staff to the area. He also said he would be taking up the matter.
