Concern is mounting over Verne Road Dental Practice in North Shields after it announced it will limit NHS patient access, prompting calls for urgent solutions.
The practice cited financial pressures and staff shortages as the reason for restricting NHS care for children, vulnerable adults, and those in acute pain. Three dentists have left the surgery in the past two months, compounding the issue.
The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said it is actively engaging with the practice to address the situation.
Local politicians are pressing for immediate action. Conservative opposition leader Liam Bones has urged North Tyneside mayor Karen Clark to convene the North Tyneside Dental Taskforce. The proposed meeting would bring together local dentists, NHS England representatives, public health officials, and councillors to find a resolution.
The practice informed patients that its limited NHS contract will be used to prioritise specific groups, while other patients are encouraged to enrol in private plans. The surgery highlighted challenges including rising costs, recruitment difficulties, and funding constraints as reasons behind the decision, emphasising that these measures are necessary to ensure the practice’s survival.
The move has caused confusion and concern among patients, with many expressing frustration online. Tynemouth Labour MP Sir Alan Campbell called on the practice to continue providing urgent treatments for those in need. Comments on social media described the changes as “devastating” and highlighted the difficulty of finding NHS dental care in the area.
Wendy Burke, North Tyneside Council’s director of public health, expressed concern about the impact on NHS dental access both now and in the future. ICB chief procurement and contracting officer David Gallagher confirmed that the practice remains an NHS service provider and has not sought to end its contract.
The ICB is working closely with Verne Road Dental Practice to understand the challenges, provide support, and offer reassurance to patients affected by the changes.
