Graham Stuart MP steps up campaign to improve local NHS dentistry

Beverley and Holderness MP, Graham Stuart, has spoken to Moira Dumma, Director of Commissioning Operations for Yorkshire and the Humber at NHS England, as part of his action plan to improve the availability of NHS dentistry in Beverley and Holderness.

The local MP has responded to the calls of residents, who have expressed concern with waiting list times and the availability of NHS dentists in practices across the constituency.

In July, Graham wrote to Ms Dumma to ask what was being done to improve the situation for local patients, many of whom have struggled to be accepted onto NHS waiting lists.

NHS England have already recognised the need for improvement, with Ms Dumma stating in July that their commissioning teams would be “reviewing” the case for extra resources in the area.

Following the conversation, Graham Stuart confirmed that NHS England hoped to finalise this review, and make a decision over a new commissioning programme, by the end of 2017. Moira Dumma confirmed that she would be working with Public Health England to make sure that the right support was reaching those who needed it.

Graham Stuart said: “I have spoken to Moira Dumma at NHS England in order to convey residents’ concerns and encourage a strategy for improving NHS dentist services in Beverley and Holderness.

“Residents should not be forced to travel as far as Cottingham or Hull in order to simply get on a waiting list, and I am determined that rural areas of Holderness in particular are not left out. It is vital that NHS England commission adequate dental services for my constituents, and I am pleased that Ms Dumma has committed to a review of these services by the end of 2017.”