The Covid pandemic has a lot to answer for. Some GPs seem to have disappeared off the face of the earth and face to face appointments are practically unheard of.

But I’m lucky because my GP practice does offer a telephone appointment, which I suppose is better than nothing, but can my GP diagnose accurately when he can’t SEE me to take my blood pressure, or check my lungs or throat, never mind my general demeanour? .

I have had my two Covid vaccinations, so why am I still considered a health risk? But hey, we are getting to grips living with the virus, so we may soon get back to relative normality.

I am, however, much more concerned about not seeing my dentist.

In April 2020 I received a phone call saying that my appointment had been cancelled because of the Covid. I have heard nothing since. I lost a front filling in March 2020 so am not looking my best. Thankfully, unlike many others, I am in no pain with teeth that need extracting.

So it has come as no surprise to hear recently that research done by the watchdog Healthwatch England, shows that public opinion of NHS dentistry is at an all time low. This watchdog reviewed 1,375 cases between January and March 2021, reporting that that some people were being asked to wait up to three years for an NHS appointment, unless (surprise surprise) they went private, in which case they would only have to wait a week.

As for receiving emergency care, well where this was available (privately) it could be another wait of up to six weeks. Methinks that dental contracts need to be an urgent priority for our Government.

CONCERNED