'New data reveals 83% of dental practices in Medway are taking on no new NHS patients' - say the Lib Dems

In a shocking investigation of dentistry services across the UK, new analysis by the BBC has found that 83% of dentistry practices in Medway are not accepting any new NHS patients.

Stuart Bourne, spokesperson for Medway Liberal Democrats, has demanded a Health Minister comes to visit dentistry practices in Medway to see for themselves how dire the situation is.

Local Liberal Democrats, also wants the Minister to meet with local people who have been forced to wait in agony for months due to a lack of NHS dentist appointments.

The figures were released alongside harrowing accounts of DIY dentistry as hard-working families and pensioners struggle to find the affordable care that they need.

The Liberal Democrats have accused the Government of "breaking" the dental system due to a lack of investment. The party have also called for new plans to be brought forward to recruit more local NHS dentists, so no matter where you live you know you can get the NHS dental care you need.

Responding to the figures, Stuart Bourne said: "People in our area should know if they are in pain or face a health emergency that the NHS is there for them. Yet these scandalous figures prove NHS dentistry in Medway is at breaking point.

"Our NHS dental system is broken because this Government has failed to stump up the cash. People are being forced to spend hundreds if not thousands of pounds on private dental care with some even resorting to their own at-home DIY dentistry.

"The fault for this lies solely with the Conservative Government. They have done next to nothing to tackle this crisis. Liberal Democrats are demanding a Health Minister visits our area to meet with local dentists and patients to hear just how bad things are here.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

View the full report online
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-62253893