Feb 12 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post
A WEST Wirral town left without dental care, after its dentist was forced to retire due to NHS rules, is to finally get a new surgery.
Wirral Primary Care Trust (PCT) says it is now moving ahead with its plans for new dental services for Greasby.
A planning application has been submitted to Wirral Borough Council for a three-surgery dental facility at 230, Greasby Road, in Greasby Village.
But because it is expected to take some time before the new dental facility is approved and built, the PCT is also arranging to use a “dental mobile” at Greasby Health Centre
It follows the case last year when Greasby’s dentist Clive Morgan said he must retire early as a result of a £20,000 “clawback” bill from his Primary Care Trust.
Wirral PCT said a target for “units of dental activity” was not reached by his practice in Greasby Road.
Mr Morgan said that, because his practice was on the first floor of a building and could present access problems for the disabled, the PCT would not allow another dentist to operate there.
According to Wirral PCT, Dr Alan Archer and Dr Steven Wright will be heading the new services.
In a statement from Wirral PCT, the dentists said: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract for this new service and are eager to be up and running.
“We hope the residents of Greasby support the planning process so we are able to start building conversion and open the surgeries as soon as possible.”
Last year, the chief executive of the British Dental Association, Peter Ward, said the situation in Greasby was “shocking”.
Mr Ward said he had direct personal knowledge of what was happening, having started his dental career with Clive Morgan in Greasby in 1982.
And he praised Mr Morgan for his commitment and ability and said his plight, and that of his patients, was “a dreadful indictment” of the NHS contracts.
But Wirral PCT said it was now hoping to see the situation resolved.
Kathy Doran, Chief Executive of Wirral PCT, said: “I am very pleased the plans for providing dental services in Greasby have progressed and delighted that both Dr Archer and Dr Wright have agreed to head this service.
“I look forward to work beginning on the conversion of the building as soon as possible, subject to planning approval.”
Residents seeking advice or have an urgent dental care problem, are asked to call the PCT Dental Helpline on 0151 643 5455.
liammurphy
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