Spanish Dentists To Tackle NHS Waiting Lists In Derry

Mon, 12 Oct 2009

The NHS has announced a number of Spanish dentists are to be brought in to help clear the backlog of patients waiting to register for NHS treatment in Derry, Northern Ireland .

Under the new scheme, six Spanish dentists will be employed in the Western Board area to ease the pressure on lengthy NHS waiting lists.

The plan has been welcomed by Alderman William Hay, who said he had spoken to many people who cannot get access to dental treatment in the North West region at all.

"I know people who have to travel 60, 70 or even 80 miles to get a dentist, even with children, and these are people who are among the most vulnerable in society, some of them existing on the breadline," he said.

"This needs to be solved fast, and I hope the Board adds to the provision."

A spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Board (SCB) confirmed that the Board was working hard to solve the shortage of NHS dental provision in the area.

The spokesperson said: "The Minister, Mr Michael McGimpsey MLA, has already announced plans to provide extra health and dental services through a private dental care company, Oasis Dental Care, which will open surgeries at a number of new locations beginning in December 2009."

"The Board is currently working closely with Oasis on the introduction and development of this initiative and more details will be announced in the near future."