‘The dentist will see you now – well in five years’ time in south Ceredigion’

Plaid Cymru has challenged the Welsh Government over long waiting times to register for a NHS dentist in south Ceredigion.

Mid and West AM Simon Thomas quizzed the First Minister in the Senedd over the availability of Welsh NHS dentists following a Freedom of Information request which found a five year wait in south Ceredigion.

In their response under the Freedom of Information Act Hywel Dda University Health Board said it only manages the waiting list for dental practices within South Ceredigion, which currently has a 5 year waiting list due to the lack of services within the area.

Plaid Cymru’s Simon Thomas said: “Hywel Dda health board’s recent consultation on the future of services is based on improving provision in the community, and that is the foundation of an announcement made by the Government in bringing health and care closer together. But the reality is that people have heard these rumours in the past, and the truth on the ground is that the waiting list is five years for an NHS dentist in southern Ceredigion. It is shameful that people living in Ceredigion have a second rate service when the NHS is supposed to mean equity for all regardless of where you live and how deep are your pockets. It shows how badly the Labour led government has mismanaged our health service when you have to wait for five years for NHS dentistry.”

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake added:

“This unfortunately comes as little surprise, as I have been approached by a number of constituents from across Ceredigion facing problems accessing NHS dental services. It is vital that both Welsh Government and Hywel Dda Health Board work together to address this situation as a matter of urgency, as it is unacceptable that so many are having to wait so long to access dental services.”