LIB DEMS CALL FOR A NHS DENTIST FOR BRADLEY STOKE

1.55.43pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 26th Jun 2007

Emma Bone, with Steve Webb MP, Cllr Jon Williams and other local campaigners in Bradley Stoke

A new campaign has been launched today by Filton & Bradley Stoke Liberal Democrats to secure a first NHS dentist in Bradley Stoke. Parliamentary candidate Emma Bone has started a petition to persuade the local Primary Care Trust to end the situation where the 20,000 residents of Bradley Stoke do not have a single NHS dentist within the town. The Lib Dem campaign is in response to complaints from local residents that the nearest NHS dentists with spaces are often miles away.

Commenting, Lib Dem campaigner Emma Bone, said:

"As a local resident, I'm acutely aware of the shortage of NHS dentists in our area and the difficulties this causes, especially for families.

"Our research indicates that of the five dental practices within 3km of Bradley Stoke, none are currently accepting Charge Exempt patients. Of the 12 NHS practices within 5km of Bradley Stoke, only three are (and for at least one of these practices, there is no possibility of an appointment until the end of next month)."

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Bradley Stoke North, Jon Williams, said:

"We are working with dentists, South Gloucestershire PCT and others, and are determined to give people in Bradley Stoke the chance to register with an NHS practice"

Lib Dem MP Steve Webb said:

"I give my full backing to this campaign by Emma Bone and Jon Williams. I often hear from local people who are struggling to find an NHS dentist and it is extraordinary that a community the size of Bradley Stoke does not have its own dental practice".

Why not sign our online petition at http://www.fabslibdems.org.uk/petitions/