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Harrogate MP to express concerns at lack of NHS dentists in local area

Concerns about the numbers of NHS dentists in the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency are being taken forward by local MP Andrew Jones.

Harrogate MP to express concerns at lack of NHS dentists in local area

Concerns about the numbers of NHS dentists in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area are being taken forward by local MP Andrew Jones.

The NHS is tasked with commissioning dental care services to meet local needs.

This duty was previously carried out by NHS England but from April this year the duty transferred to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

Since 1st April, the Yorkshire and Humber ICB has been assessing the current provision across Yorkshire and the Humber.

And on 8th September, Andrew, alongside other Yorkshire and Humber MPs, is meeting the ICB to discuss the dental workforce in our area and issues with the training and retention of staff providing NHS dentistry.

Andrew said:

"It is positive that dental provision has moved from being controlled nationally to a more local approach.  I want to see this local management produce results for our area quickly.

“Recently a small number of constituents have contacted me having had problems getting access to an NHS dentist.  Anecdotally this is a wider problem."

Andrew added:

"I am also concerned that residents moving into the new estates in our area will be left without dental cover.

“So I want the ICB to begin expanding the NHS dental provision in Harrogate and Knaresborough and to keep the level of service under review as the new estates become fully occupied.

“I encourage constituents who are having trouble accessing NHS dental services to contact me directly.  The more evidence I have that current provision is not adequate the easier it is to persuade the ICB to expand what is available.”

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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