The Isle of Wight Council will take action on the Island’s “grossly inadequate” NHS dental care provision.
Following a vote at Wednesday’s Full Council meeting in Newport, the council says it will hold the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to account for its “responsibility” in “ensuring” NHS dental services are provided to an adequate standard.
Councillor Warren Drew raised “significant deficiencies” in NHS dental care provision at the meeting with a motion that described the services as a fundamental right for all citizens.
His motion stated:
“It is evident that this situation is exacerbating health inequalities and contributing to the deterioration of oral health across our population, with vulnerable groups being disproportionately affected.
“This council believes no resident should be denied the basic healthcare they are entitled to under the NHS.
“The responsibility for ensuring adequate provision of NHS dental services lies with the Integrated Care Board (ICB).
“However, it is clear that the situation is not being addressed by the ICB with the level of urgency and resourcefulness that this disaster demands.”
The representative for Ryde South East also noted in his submission that the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB had underspent by “over £12 million” last year.
“Areas such as Yorkshire and Humber have adopted flexible commissioning on a sessional basis to treat patients with urgent dental need – we need to explore similar creative approaches”, the motion read.
The council voted to seek an urgent response from the ICB to address “deficiencies” and provide a “rapid and workable” plan “for improving access”.
Also included in Cllr Drew’s motion was a commitment to call on the government to review the current NHS dental contract and “funding mechanisms” to make sure they are fit for purpose and adequately support dental care provision.
The council will also consider the taking of legal action to guarantee NHS dental care is provided on a “meaningful” and “accessible basis for all residents.
James Roach, director for primary care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “Since MyDentist in Freshwater announced their decision to close, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight has been working with the local MP, councillors and local NHS dental providers to ensure patients in the area would still be able to access NHS dental services.
“While we continue to keep local councillors and other public representatives updated, we are unable to disclose further information due to the commercial sensitivities that surround negotiations and NHS contracts that need to be put in place first.
“This complex work is being carried out as quickly as possible and we greatly appreciate the role that councillors and other public representatives have played in informing and reassuring the public that NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight is working with them towards a solution for the local community.
“We can also confirm that the mobile dental unit run by Dentaid and commissioned by the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight will be visiting the area on an increased basis to support patients with their dental needs in Freshwater.”
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