Patients' shock at sudden dentist closure - The Worcester Observer

Patients' shock at sudden dentist closure

Worcester Editorial 5th May, 2016 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

A CONCERNED councillor is seeking answers following the closure of a popular NHS dentist used by thousands in St John’s.

With its contract ending on May 27, St John’s NHS Dental Practice on Malvern Road confirmed the closure in the form of a notice on its door and a statement on its website, leaving patients in need of a new dental health service.

St John’s County Councillor Richard Udall has called for NHS England to explain the reasons behind the shock decision, which has left many residents disappointed.

He said: “This dentist is used by thousands of local people, NHS England simply cannot come along and close it down without any proper explanation, we need to know the reasons for their decision and if possible get them to change their mind about the closure.




“People are angry and upset, they deserve to to be treated with more respect, they simply will not accept closure without good reason or explanation.”

In a statement to the Worcester Observer, David Williams, NHS England’s Lead Director for Primary Care in the West Midlands, has assured patients they will not be left without a service, with ten practices available within a two-mile radius.


He said: “St John’s Dental Practice in Worcester will close on May 27 2016 because our contract with the current provider of dental healthcare services ends on this day. This means that from May 28, patients will need to join a new dental practice.

“We understand that patients will be upset by the closure of their dental practice and we are very sorry for the inconvenience caused. NHS England is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to local, high-quality dental health care services that offer best value for money.

“We have increased capacity in other local practices to take on all the patients from St John’s Dental Practice from May 28 2016. No-one will be left without access to a local dentist as a result of this closure.

“In the meantime, if they have an appointment at St John’s Dental Practice up to and including May 27, they should still attend this. If they have a dental emergency before they have chosen a new dentist, they should call 111.”

Patients can contact NHS England on 0113 824 8735 for details of other dental practices in their area. Alternatively, they can search for local dental practices at www.nhs.uk

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