Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has raised concerns about the proposed changes to NHS dentistry.
During questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Mr Fox explained the proposed changes have the potential to be incredibly damaging to patient wellbeing. Under the proposals, patients could be moved between dental practices, rather than being treated by the same dentist in the same location.
This could mean that a patient will have to travel across the health board area, which could prove incredibly difficult for the elderly and vulnerable, and those without access public transport.
Mr Fox raised further concerns about the lack of publicization of the consultation, with his residents only finding out when visiting their dentist.
He asked the Cabinet Secretary for an assessment on the impact the proposals will have on vulnerable people, especially those in rural constituencies.
Local MS for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has said:
“We seem to be stuck in an eternal loop of the Welsh Government attempting to alter a service, but ultimately making it worse.
“Dentistry across Wales needs more support to ensure that patients are seen in a timely manner by their dentist, not moved across the area. The proposals could see a patient in Chepstow being sent to Brynmawr to finish their treatment.
“In a rural constituency like Monmouthshire, with quite often poor public transport links; elderly, vulnerable and rural residents need support, they don’t need more barriers in receiving their treatment.
“I have been contacted by several residents about these reforms, not just about the proposals themselves, but raising concerns that they weren’t even aware about the consultation until visiting their dentist.
“The Welsh Government must ensure that any changes do not disadvantage any part of our society, and I will fight to ensure that is not the case.”
