New NHS dentist to open in Portsmouth

A NEW NHS dental practice is due to open in Portsmouth next year after around 20,000 residents were left without one - but concerns over its location have been raised.
Around 20,000 patients were left without an NHS dentist last year after three practices closed. Picutre: Getty ImagesAround 20,000 patients were left without an NHS dentist last year after three practices closed. Picutre: Getty Images
Around 20,000 patients were left without an NHS dentist last year after three practices closed. Picutre: Getty Images

NHS England confirmed it has secured a contract with Smile Dental Care to open a new site in the former GP surgery Hanway Road Medical Practice, in Hanway Road, which closed in October.

It is expected a refurbishment of the building will begin this month with it ready to open in April next year.

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Fears grow that some Portsmouth areas will be left without NHS dentist
GP Hanway Medical Centre that closed in October could be turned into a new dental practice. Picture: Richard LemmerGP Hanway Medical Centre that closed in October could be turned into a new dental practice. Picture: Richard Lemmer
GP Hanway Medical Centre that closed in October could be turned into a new dental practice. Picture: Richard Lemmer
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The plans come after Swiss-company Colosseum Dental shut down its three city practices without warning in July last year. However, Portsmouth councillors demanded replacements should be found in Paulsgrove and Portsea, which were both left without practices.

Council leader, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, welcomed proposals for the new site but said the location was a 'pity.' He said: 'It's a sensible use of the building and it's good that there will be another dentist in the middle of the city. But there's another one just 300 yards away - the Lake Road Dental Practice.

'It's no good to the people in Portsea and it's a pity that we asked the NHS to make sure there was one there but they've awarded a contract for somewhere else. We needed one to serve the community there.'

But Roger Batterbury, chairman of Healthwatch Portsmouth, explaiend that 'flexibility' was needed to secure a provider. He said: 'We are absolutely delighted to have some extra dental provision because we really need it in the city.

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'Hopefully it will fill the chasm we have had in the dental provision despite all the issues with with the pandemic and lockdown. I agree the location could be better but let's see what happens.

'In terms of the location they needed to have the flexibility for the providers. And from a survey that was done many people did say they would be willing to travel. Obviously that doesn't represent everyone though.'

The Hanway Road site will serve residents in the south of the city, however, a provider for the north of the city is set to be revealed during a health overview and scrutiny panel (Hosp) this week.

NHS England was approached for comment.

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