Healthwatch Southend has been concerned about the problems Southend residents have when it comes to seeing an NHS dentist. We’ve looked at which dentists, if any, are offering NHS appointments. We also looked at how much time and money were needed to go to a dentist outside the Southend area. All of this information has been shared with the NHS locally, as well as the Council, which has a role in scrutinising the work of the NHS.
The House of Commons are also looking at the state of NHS dentistry. The Health & Care Committee, which holds the Government to account about the NHS, has asked individuals and organisations for their views about the problems patients face. Healthwatch Southend used its information and patient experience to write to the Committee to explain how difficult it is for Southend residents to get the dental care they need.
Full report can be downloaded below.