NHS DENTISTS IN SHREWSBURY

Early day motion 919, tabled 19 March 2003 by Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 17 members.

That this House is concerned that only one dental practice out of 24 in Shrewsbury and Atcham is accepting new NHS patients; notes that there are 8,700 fewer people in Shropshire registered with an NHS dentist in 2002 than in 1998; believes that the dental access centres are useful as an emergency, one-off treatment centre but are no substitute for an adequate number of NHS dentists that patients can register with; acknowledges Shropshire County Primary Care Trust's failed attempts to recruit new NHS dentists; notes comments from their Acting Chief Executive that the increasing trend towards private sector working with a reduced workload has led to a shortage of dentists; particularly in areas distant from large cities with dental schools; and urges the Government to intervene to ensure that all patients who wish to register with an NHS dentist are able to do so.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 15, Labour 2.