Monday, October 22, 2007

NHS dentistry "rotting away"


NHS dentistry is rotting away under Labour and thousands of residents in Gateshead are finding it extremely difficult to access an NHS dentist, claim local Liberal Democrats.


Councillor Jonathan Wallace met Shadow Health Secretary Norman Lamb MP at the party’s recent conference in Brighton and told him about the problems some residents were having with the lack of NHS dentists.


"The conference debated the neglect of NHS dentistry by the government," said Jonathan. "I have found this is a strong issue for many people when I have been out campaigning. Many residents are unable to access an NHS dentist, despite Labour’s promise eight years ago that everyone would have access to one.


"I was pleased to be able to meet Norman Lamb MP and raise local residents’ concerns with him."


Liberal Democrats agreed a package of reforms that would make it easier for people to get access to an NHS dentist. The plans would also see more done to prevent oral health problems. Liberal Democrats also voted to scrap dental check up charges.
Photo: Jonathan Wallace and Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for the Health Norman Lamb MP with a giant bad tooth representing the decay of NHS dentistry under Labour.

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