Concern as dental services come under pressure

DIFFICULTY filling a vacant post has left dentistry services at Mid Argyll Hospital under pressure.

Patients registered at the Lochgilphead practice have received letters explaining that as NHS Highland has failed to recruit a replacement dentist, the Mid Argyll Hospital practice is struggling to meet demand.

The letter states that ‘a locum dental officer has taken up post at Mid Argyll Hospital and will continue to see emergencies, child patients, those with orthodontic appliances and patients within the high risk categories with medical issues, physical and mental impairment until a more permanent solution is reached.’

A spokesman for Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership commented: ‘We have been actively trying to recruit for the vacancy in Lochgilphead but have so far been unsuccessful.’

Enclosed with the letter is a list of alternative surgeries in Tarbert, Campbeltown and Oban that are offering registration. In December, a spokesman for Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership told the Advertiser that patients had ‘not been told that they must travel elsewhere for treatment’ but that they were being ‘made aware of other options which may assist them in getting treated quicker’.

But some patients are still concerned. Speaking to the Advertiser back in December, Lochgilphead resident Malcolm Crooks, who is signed up with the Mid Argyll Hospital practice, said: ‘This is ridiculous. How can I get to Tarbert or Oban on the bus? I am disabled so this is virtually impossible for me.’