The Island's MP has written to the Health Secretary to express 'concerns' about dentistry services on the Isle of Wight.
As exclusively reported by Isle of Wight Radio, a report by Healthwatch Isle of Wight revealed dentistry was among the main concerns raised by Islanders.
One Islander said the lack of dentistry services has “ruined” their life - another said their 9-year-old son is yet to see a dentist on the Island because they can’t get an appointment.
Healthwatch Isle of Wight previously branded dentist services the 'biggest inequality' for Islanders.
A spokesperson for NHS England said because of the pandemic, 'patients needing routine dental care may have to wait longer for an appointment and is working with dentists to help them get back to normal as soon as possible'.
Meanwhile, last month (February) it was revealed, two dentist surgeries on the Isle of Wight are expected to be granted additional funding.
Public Health England previously told Isle of Wight Radio, the funds will provide additional appointments for Islanders. It is not yet known which surgeries applied for the additional money.
Now, Bob Seely says he has written to Matt Hancock, saying the situation had been further exacerbated by dentists retiring or leaving the Island which had left dental labs and surgeries in need of replacements, with the restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic also adding to the list of problems.
He said:
“Along with all other health staff on the Island, I want to thank those involved with dentistry on the Island. This past year has been challenging and I am grateful to those dentists who have spoken to me about suggesting practical ways to improve the situation.
“It is vital that Islanders have access to NHS dental care, and ideally on the Island. A lack of dental care can lead to more serious problems including cancers, and I am concerned that head and neck cancer referrals were down by around 65 per cent last year.
“There are a number of issues that need to be addressed, some which are unique to the Island.
“I have made the Health Secretary aware of the situation we are in with regard to dentistry on the Island. Mr Hancock previously recognised that the Island is unique in terms of its health geography and that healthcare costs are likely increased here because we are separated from the mainland. This is another example of that.”
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