THE NHS dentist shortage in East Lancashire has received a boost thanks to a new mobile service.
Two years ago Pendle MP Gordon Prentice claimed there were only five dental practices in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale that accepted NHS patients.
Now Pendle Primary Care Group has come up with a plan to bring dentists to the patients.
A £146,000 mobile dental service, funded by Pendle Primary Care Group, will serve the rural population of Barnoldswick and Earby and local people who cannot access the Harrison Street practice.
The scheme is part of a Government initiative to improve access to NHS dental services.
People unable to find an NHS dentist to register with can attend for emergency treatment or a course of treatment but are still required to find a dentist in their own area to register them.
Pendle Primary Care Group chief executive Lorraine Comley officially launched the service at Barnoldswick, which is also to get a new fixed practice.
The new mobile unit has a fully equipped surgery with a wheelchair lift, reception and waiting room area, extending pods and is run on its own generator.
Health Minister Hazel Blears, who recently visited Burnley General Hospital, last year promised action to try to tackle the shortage of NHS dental care throughout East Lancashire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article