CAB meets with Health Committee

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At a meeting with the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee on Monday, Citizens Advice provided compelling evidence on the increasing difficulty in accessing an NHS dentist in Northern Ireland.

Derek Alcorn, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said,

“It is clear from the evidence we have received from clients that not only is there a difficulty accessing an NHS dentist but that people have been removed from the register or are unaware that their dentist has gone private."

A Strabane client was unable to access NHS dentistry in her local area and would therefore have to travel to Limavady for this treatment. This client lives in a rural area and could not afford the costs of childcare and public transport necessary to enable her to access this treatment.

Citizens Advice also called for the abolition of prescription charges.

Notes:

  • Northern Ireland has some of the worst dental decay in the UK particularly in children.
  • Many people do not realise that their registration with a dentist has to be renewed after 15 months so if they have not visited their dentist for some time they may no longer be on the list.

The Citizens Advice service is an independent charity that helps people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information see www.citizensadvice.co.uk.


NI Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux | Dara Toal | 24 Apr 2008
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