MP makes breakthrough in local NHS dentistry campaign

Local MP, Graham Stuart, hopes residents will be receiving a better dental service from now on after it was announced that almost £1m is being offered to increase capacity at practices across Beverley and Holderness. NHS England, who are providing the funding, believe that up to 2,000 new NHS patients can be enrolled over the next three years.

Graham held meetings with NHS England in recent months following concerns from residents, many of whom have been stuck on waiting lists or turned away from nearby practices. Graham put pressure on Moira Dumma, NHS England’s Director of Commissioning for Yorkshire and the Humber, to review the provision of dentistry in Beverley and Holderness.

The review found that the area was not receiving adequate services to cope with the demand for NHS dentistry and, following further lobbying from Graham, NHS England have now put in place a substantial offer to a number of local practices.

Following the announcement, Graham said: “It is a step in the right direction. For too long, local patients have been suffering long trips and longer waits simply to see a dentist on the NHS. I would like to thank residents for alerting me to this issue and reassure them that I will not be resting on my laurels even though the financial offer has been unveiled. Only when my constituents can access a good, local dentist in reasonable time will I be content that sufficient progress is being made.”

Beverley resident, Mr Lance Spruce-Jarrett, said: “I wrote to Graham having been kept on the NHS waiting list at one local practice for three years, which clearly is not good enough. I and many other residents in the area were being faced with trips to Cottingham or even Hull just to see a dentist, so I asked Graham to intervene on our behalf. It is fantastic news that NHS England have not only recognised the issue but, following pressure from our local MP, have now committed to putting in place extra capacity at practices in Beverley and elsewhere. These badly-needed services will make a real difference to all those who have been unable to access an NHS dentist.”