Havant dentist to open his private practice for free emergency care to take strain off Queen Alexandra Hospital

Amir Moughadam, who owns Prince George Dental Practice in Havant, wants to get back to work to stop people who are experiencing serious dental pain going to Queen Alexandra Hospital.

It comes after the coronavirus outbreak prompted the British Dental Association to advise all UK practices to close their doors except for emergency cases.

The 56-year-old hopes ushering people in dental trouble into his practice for free care will stop them going to the hospital's A&E department and clogging up resources.

‘Because of coronavirus this country is in trouble and I think I can help,’ said Mr Moughadam, who was born in Iran.

‘Even if I can get 50 people in here and out of pain, that will be 50 people who don’t go to Queen Alexandra Hospital and A&E at this difficult time.’

He added: ‘I love this country and it has been so good to me.

‘It took me to university, it put me in my practice, it has given me a wife and it has given me my children.

‘Now things have hit the fan it is time to pull together, and I want to do all I can for our country to help it.’

Mr Moughadam is now on the hunt for a would-be receptionist and a dental nurse to volunteer to work with him while some of his existing, at-risk employees self-isolate.

He has urged others to remain at home with their young children after prime minister Boris Johnson, who has now tested positive for Covid-19 himself, imposed a national lockdown on Monday.

St Faith's councillor, David Guest, has backed the dentist's plea for assistance.

‘Amir is an outstanding, kind and loving man who appreciates what this country has done for him,’ he said.

‘If there is anybody out there who wants to volunteer with him and help during this crisis, I think it’ll be one of the finest things you ever do.’

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In a message to prospective patients, Mr Moughadam added: ‘Relax, there is help out there and we will get you out of pain.

‘When things go wrong in this country we always come back stronger – and we will prevail this time.’

Volunteer staff will be given protective masks, visors and surgical gowns when the effort begins on Monday, March 30.

Do not attempt to receive care at the practice if you are self-isolating or have symptoms of coronavirus.

To volunteer, or if you need emergency dental care, call Mr Moughadam on (023) 9278 1008.