South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has raised the concerns of her constituents with the Scottish Government over challenges they are facing in registering, as NHS patients, with various dentists across Dumfries and Galloway such as in Annan, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Newton Stewart.
The South Scotland MSP has submitted a written question to the Scottish Government, due to a number of dental surgeries in Annan, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries, Newton Stewart temporarily suspending accepting NHS dental patients. The reason is caused by a backlog of treatments due to COVID-19 restrictions. Ms Harper has asked the Scottish Government what action is being taken to support the dental surgeries to ensure that NHS dental patients have access to timely dental treatment. Ms Harper has also asked for an update on the Government’s election commitment to provide free dental care at the point of need to all resident in Scotland who require it
Commenting, Ms Harper said:
“Following correspondence from constituents, I have raised the challenges being faced by many when registering as NHS dental patients with practices across the region, directly with the Scottish Government.
“Dental practices are saying that a backlog of treatments due to COVID-19 restrictions is causing them not to accept new patients, so I have asked the Scottish Government what action is being taken to support these dental surgeries to ensure that NHS dental patients have access to timely treatment. I have also asked for an update on The Scottish Government’s manifesto commitment to provide free dental care at the point of need, to all resident in Scotland who require it.”
“I hope to receive a timely response from government and will share this as soon as possible with everyone”.
