Andrew Turner has welcomed the news that Islanders are finally able to register for NHS dentistry. A letter from the Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust Ed Macalister-Smith received by Mr Turner on Friday confirmed that the backlog of patients waiting to register with an NHS Dentist had all been successfully allocated and that there are now limited opportunities for new patients to register with some NHS practices.

The Island’s MP said
“The Island’s Primary Care Trust is to be congratulated on this achievement. I have criticised them in the past for not achieving targets so I want to be the first to recognise the work they have done in tackling the huge backlog of Islanders who needed NHS dental care. The PCT have dealt with an enormous number of people and they tell me that dental capacity on the Island continues to improve. There is a well-documented nationwide shortage of dentists but by working together we achieved priority status for the Island. Rosie Winterton as Health Minister admitted to me back in 2003 that access to NHS Dentistry should be available on the Island – and at last we are beginning to see that commitment fulfilled.”

Patients wishing to register with an NHS Dentist are advised to ring the dental helpline on 0845 6031 007 to find out which dentists are currently taking on NHS patients.

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808