If there is one issue that defines Healthwatch in Kirklees, it is access to NHS Dentistry. It was the first thing that people said to us when we started in 2013, and people ring us every single week looking for NHS dentists in Kirklees.
Why did we cover this issue?
We’ve never really stopped listening about this issue. We’ve taken it to our Health and Wellbeing Board, Scrutiny, NHS England and Healthwatch England. We’ve written reports, met with MP’s, talked to dentists and been interviewed by Radio stations and Channel 4. In the last 5 years this issue has got worse and worse, so we are committed to keep on taking it forward until we help change things for the better.
What is the impact?
The last time we asked, we were told that only 57% of the adult population in Kirklees had seen an NHS dentist in the last 2 years. We think that only 75% of children have an NHS Dentist. Based on the population of Kirklees this could equate to approximately 140,000 adults and 24,000 children.
The lack of access affects poorer communities more, and contributes to the overall picture of health inequalities. It affects our emergency and A&E departments in our hospitals who have to deal with people self medicating and in pain. It affects people’s ability to get a job. It makes people unhappy, it’s unfair, and it’s been going on for just too long.
VIDEO: NHS dentists in West Yorkshire
Click the link on the right to watch our video about which dental practices in West Yorkshire are currently accepting new NHS patients.
UPLOADED 21.03.18
VIDEO: Is dentistry in Kirklees being privatised?
Click the download button on the right to view our video.
UPLOADED 23.03.18
VIDEO: Could a new dental contract solve any of the issues in Kirklees?
Click the download button on the right to view our video.
UPLOADED 23.03.18
VIDEO: Help me find a dentist
Click the download button on the right to view our video.
UPLOADED 23.03.18