With another NHS dental practice closing, many are now seeking treatment abroad, highlighting a growing crisis in North Wales.
Rhos on Sea: Another dental practice in North Wales is shutting down its NHS contract, and it’s causing quite a stir. North Wales Live has been reporting on this trend, and it’s not looking good for patients.
The Rhos Road Dental Practice has told the Betsi health board that it will end its NHS services by March 31. After that, they’ll only offer private dental care.
Darren Millar, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, is sounding the alarm. He’s met with health board officials to discuss the issue, and he’s noticed that people are even traveling to Eastern Europe for dental work. Can you believe that?
He mentioned how this is just another setback for dental care in North Wales. It’s been a rough few years with practices dropping their NHS contracts left and right. Millar has been vocal about this in the Senedd, saying finding an NHS dentist is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
He’s frustrated that the health board didn’t even mention this latest closure in their discussions. It’s a real shame that folks are being pushed to seek treatment outside of Wales, and even abroad.
Millar reminisced about how, 17 years ago, most people could easily get regular check-ups. Now, many are left without that option. He’s worried about the lack of screenings for serious issues like mouth cancer and the long waits for kids needing braces.
With the Rhos on Sea practice closing, thousands more will be without an NHS dentist. Millar is calling for urgent action from the Welsh Government to tackle this crisis.
The health board acknowledged that this news is disappointing for many constituents looking for NHS dental care. They’re working on new contracts to replace those that have been handed back, but it’s a tough situation.
MS Llyr Gruffydd from Plaid Cymru is also raising concerns. She’s seen a pattern of practices giving up their contracts, and she believes the new contracts from the Labour Government aren’t working as intended.
A spokesperson for the Welsh Government said they’ve made some changes that have helped many people access NHS dentists, but they know there’s still a lot to do. They’re committed to replacing any lost NHS services, but it’s clear that the situation needs urgent attention.
Stay tuned for updates, as this issue continues to unfold.
