Local MP calls for action on Chessington's NHS dentist crisis

19.11.04

Following reports that 2 dental practices in Chessington are ending their NHS services, leaving 8,800 registered NHS patients in Chessington fighting for limited places at one over-subscribed remaining NHS practice, Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, has demanded action from Kingston's Primary Care Trust and Health Ministers.

MP Edward Davey has written to Chris Butler, the Chief Executive of the Kingston Primary Care Trust, requesting a meeting and a full report following press reports that the Bridge Road Dental Practice in Hook will no longer treat registered NHS patients as of February 2005, and that the Elm Dental Practice is considering following suit, leaving just one practice to serve the whole of Chessington.

Commenting, Edward Davey MP said,

"The Government promised more NHS dentists, yet Chessington is now faced with fewer. I am demanding Labour keeps its pledge, so local people can have the NHS dentists they need.

"I launched a campaign earlier this year to raise awareness about the mounting crisis in NHS dentistry. Official figures we found showed less than half the people in England have a NHS dentist and one of the worst places is the South West of London. Ministers responded with more promises, but the reality is now clear to see.

"Labour's NHS dentist cuts are nearly as bad as the Conservative cuts that local people rejected.

"I want our local NHS bosses to act now before these dental services go. If we are going to get new, replacement services the questions are, when, how and where. People need to be reassured, and they need to know what's happening.

"I'm prepared to take this to Health Ministers if necessary. With Chessington already threatened by the closure of Epsom Hospital, local NHS bosses need to get their act together."

Sign the petition for more dental staff on the Kingston Borough Liberal Democrat Website.

Read comments of Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, on NHS dentist services.