Figures revealed by the Welsh Liberal Democrats have shown that in the year to April 2023, 22 NHS dentistry contracts were returned to local health boards at a value of more than £7.4m. A further 7 practices reduced their NHS commitment, to a value of £1.6m.
Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS has accused the Welsh Labour Government of neglecting NHS dentistry. Jane Dodds’ comments come after two dental practices in Pembrokeshire announced they would be ending their NHS provision later this year.
Commenting, Jane Dodds MS said:
“Thousands of people across the country are being denied NHS dental treatment because Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay have failed to take any real responsibility for the crisis in NHS dentistry.
“The decision of two more practices in Hywel Dda to end their NHS commitment will mean people in Whitland and Haverfordwest will find it even harder to be treated by an NHS dentist. They will join the thousands of people who have faced waiting months for treatment, travelling miles to access an NHS dentist, or paying for private care.
“The Welsh Government is neglecting NHS dentistry, and we risk more and more dentists across the country voting with their feet and leaving the NHS if Labour Ministers don’t act now.”
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