Calls for improved dental services at Berwick

Release date: 15.10.07
Ref: BBC/PR/L&D/32/07

Issued on behalf of Berwick Borough Health and Well-Being Forum

Berwick Borough Health and Well-Being Forum received a presentation from Jeff Goldthorpe, the new Head of Optometry and Dentistry at NHS North of Tyne, at its meeting last week.

Mr Goldthorpe outlined the Trust’s plans for services in the Borough, and Forum members took the opportunity to raise a number of issues with him.

“We are pleased to hear that the service at the Tweedmouth Clinic is to be expanded,” said Forum Chairman, Councillor Peter Herdman, “and that this should shorten waiting times for those wishing to register with an NHS dentist. However, there are still concerns about the level of emergency cover available, and the fact that out of hours emergency dental care is only provided in Ashington.”

Forum members welcomed Mr Goldthorpe’s commitment to working with other NHS partners on both sides of the border to identify specific problem areas, and to try to come up with workable solutions.

Members of the public wishing to find out whether there are any dentists in the area taking on new NHS patients can use the website, www.twcsa.nhs.uk, which is updated monthly with the latest information.

For further information please contact Gillian Simmons, Senior Democratic Services Officer on 01289 30172 or e-mail gs@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk.