Dental practice turning private.

Byline: By Liz Hands

Another North surgery opts out over contract

Dental patients are facing an increasing struggle to get NHS treatment in the Tyne Valley after a practice in Hexham announced it was the latest to be turning private.

Richard Parker, who owns a practice in Battle Hill, is opting out of most NHS treatment on December 8.

He will continue to provide NHS treatment to children and adults exempt from payment ( but is cutting his list from 4,500 to 1,200.

Yesterday, he blamed the move on staff shortages and new Government contracts, due to come into force for the dental profession in April.

"My associate left in May this year because she'd lost patience with the NHS," said Mr Parker yesterday. "Before and after then, we've tried, and failed, to recruit another NHS dentist.

"It has got to the point when I have a two-to-three-month waiting list for people to get a first appointment. Then, if they need treatment, they have to wait another two-to-three months to come back again."

Mr Parker, who has been principal dentist at his practice since 1988, has offered his patients three options ( to pay a monthly retainer fee of pounds 9.30 plus treatment, an annual fee of pounds 32.50 plus treatment, or to try to find another NHS dentist.

"The response we've had so far has been pleasing," he said. "We've filled up the annual list and I expect the monthly one to be full by Christmas."

He estimates the shorter list will allow him to see his patients the same day for a first appointment ( and a week later for further treatment.

"The NHS contract that we're being offered is just not the way I like to work," he said.

"It is extremely targeted. You are given money dependent on how much treatment you provide and there is no encouragement to do preventative work, which is the way I like to look after my patients."

His decision will leave people in Hexham struggling to find an NHS dentist.

Only one, Hencotes Dental Practice, has come forward to say it is still taking on NHS patients. According to Northumberland Care Trust, there are five dentists in the town.

Emma Alpin, who owns the Hencotes practice, said: "We've been massively inundated with calls from people from Mr Parker's surgery and from people in Carlisle." Three practices in Carlisle turned private earlier this month, shedding thousands of patients. Guide Post Dental Practice, near Ashington, has also gone private this month ( shedding 3,500 patients from its list. A spokeswoman for Northumberland Care Trust said yesterday: "Mr Parker informed us and his patients in September that he was going private. He has done everything required of him."